Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA)

by Anisham Aadya

Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is an Indian social movement spearheaded by native tribals (adivasis), farmers, environmentalists and human rights activists against a number of large dam projects across river Narmada, which flows through the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat is one of the biggest dams on the river and was one of the first focal points of the movement. It is part of the Narmada Dam Project, whose main aim is to provide irrigation and electricity to people in these states. The mode of campaign under NBA includes court actions, hunger strikes, rallies and gathering support from notable film and art personalities. Narmada Bachao Andolan, with its leading spokespersons Medha Patkar and Baba Amte, have received the Right Livelihood Award in 1991.[1] The NBA was a formation of several pressure groups all fighting for one cause- to help protect the locals from being displaced and ensuring that they are fully compensated and that environmental damages are minimised due to the construction of dam. This is an example of a large environmental movement in India. There were several pressure groups involved. It had combination of sectional interest group represented by local natives and tribals who were being impacted and also public interest groups represented by lawyers and environmentalist highlighting a larger public interest cause. The Narmada movement started with highlighting the environmental impact of construction of dams and sought to reduce reverse that. Nonetheless, the movement turned into a larger cause and has become a larger than being only confined to Narmada. It has questioned all big dams and the model of development that required such dams. Movements and popular struggles as the one above are important for achievement of public good. It is an important feature in democracy. Such movements may have a political or non political origin and seeks to influence the government. The non political ones do not seek to participate in government and want to influence the government and relevant stakeholders for the larger benefit of the society. Their influence while being driven by the larger good of the society must always be subjected to scientific rationale and independent review by competent authorities to ensure that cause being fought for does not lead to collateral and larger unanticipated damages.