NHRC issues notice to Centre, MP government over dam projects

KHANDWA (MP): The National Human Rights Commission has sent notices to the Centre and the Madhya Pradesh government with regard to the rehabilitation of those affected by the Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar projects.

Around 11,000 families affected by the Sardar Sarovar Project have been rehabilitated in Gujarat but nothing of that kind has been done in Madhya Pradesh, the NHRC notice said.

The NHRC has issued the notice to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary, Union Environment Ministry and Narmada Valley Development Authority, and sought a reply within seven days.

Thousands of families were being submerged without being given proper rehabilitation for the Omkareshwar and Indira Sagar projects, the notice said.

The villagers affected by the two projects in the state had recently observed a 'Jal Satyagraha' to demand land as compensation and reduction in height of the dams.