Aam Aadmi Party demands review of decision to raise SSP dam height

Aam Aadmi Party is appalled at the undemocratic decision regarding raise in height of the Sardar Sarovar dam, around which a three-decades old people’s struggle has raised serious questions regarding the legal status of rehabilitation, environmental safety and protective measures, responsibility of various authorities to ensure that the law and judicial dicta is fully complied with etc.

Narendra Modi led NDA government should have taken into confidence all the parties and stakeholders, before pushing for any hasty decision that is certainly to jeopardize the lives of lakhs of tribals, fisher people, workers, rural and other marginal classes in the valley, besides affecting the environment on a massive scale.

We convey our complete disagreement with the illegal decision of the Narmada Control Authority to raise the dam height in violation of the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award, judgements of the Apex Court and numerous orders of the quasi judicial GRA

We also demand an explanation as to the legality of this decision, when a High Court appointed Judicial Commission of inquiry has been instituted to inquire into the mass land and livelihood scam in M.P. and is yet to submit its report to the court.

We are also of the strong opinion that the government of Gujarat should first be made accountable for the mammoth expenses already incurred on the dam and should be asked to complete the canal network in the state, prioritize the interests of farmers and stop all diversion of command area land and water to private companies and industries.

We express our solidarity with the villagers and their movement that is bravely standing up to challenge this illegal decision. We demand the NCA and Government of India to recall this decision and involve all stake holders in a legal and democratic process, before taking any further steps.