Narmada Bachao Andolan

The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is a social movement that emerged in the 1980s to protest against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River in India. It aimed to address the issues of displacement, environmental degradation, and social injustice caused by the dam projects.

Background
- The Narmada River is one of the largest rivers in India, and several dams were proposed to be built on it for irrigation, hydropower generation, and water supply.
- The major dam projects included the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which was the largest among them.
- The NBA was formed in 1985 as a response to the government's decision to construct these dams without adequate consideration of the social and environmental impacts.

Objectives
- The primary objective of the Narmada Bachao Andolan was to advocate for the rights of the affected communities who were facing displacement due to the dam projects.
- It aimed to ensure proper rehabilitation and compensation for the displaced people and protect their livelihoods and cultural rights.
- The movement also focused on highlighting the environmental consequences of the dam projects, including the loss of forests, biodiversity, and the disruption of the river's natural flow.

Strategies and Tactics
- The NBA employed various strategies to raise awareness and mobilize support for its cause. These included public protests, hunger strikes, rallies, and demonstrations.
- The movement also utilized legal avenues by filing petitions, conducting research, and engaging with policymakers and the judiciary.
- Mediapersons, intellectuals, activists, and celebrities were involved in the movement, which helped to amplify its message and gain national and international attention.

Achievements and Impact
- The Narmada Bachao Andolan succeeded in bringing the issue of dam-induced displacement and environmental degradation to the forefront of public discourse in India.
- It led to the formation of the Narmada Control Authority, which aimed to oversee the implementation of rehabilitation and environmental measures associated with the dam projects.
- The movement also influenced the Supreme Court of India's decision to impose a temporary halt on the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam until proper rehabilitation measures were in place.
- The NBA remains active to this day, advocating for the rights of the affected communities and raising awareness about the social and environmental impacts of large dam projects.

In conclusion, the Narmada Bachao Andolan is a significant social movement that has played a crucial role in highlighting the issues of displacement, environmental degradation, and social injustice caused by dam projects on the Narmada River. Through its mobilization efforts and legal interventions, it has brought national and international attention to these issues and influenced policy decisions regarding rehabilitation and environmental protection.