Why was Narmada Bachao Andolon started?

The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is a social and environmental movement that emerged in India to protest the construction of a series of large dams on the Narmada River. The movement began in the 1980s and has continued to raise concerns about the impact of these dams on the environment, as well as on the livelihoods and rights of local communities, particularly those belonging to tribal and marginalized groups.

The main reasons behind the initiation of the Narmada Bachao Andolan include:

Environmental Concerns: The construction of large dams can lead to significant environmental damage, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, disruption of natural river flow, and submergence of large areas under water. Activists were concerned about the potential ecological consequences of these dams on the Narmada River ecosystem.

Displacement of Communities: The construction of dams often leads to the displacement of communities living in the areas that will be submerged by the dam-created reservoirs. Many of these displaced people are from indigenous and marginalized groups and rely on the river and forests for their livelihoods. The NBA was concerned about the social and economic impact of this displacement on these communities.

Violations of Human Rights: The movement also highlighted violations of human rights, as people were being forcibly evicted from their homes and lands without adequate compensation or alternative arrangements being made for their rehabilitation. The NBA advocated for the rights of these affected people.

Large-Scale Development Projects: The movement questioned the wisdom of prioritizing large-scale development projects like mega-dams over more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. It raised concerns about the top-down decision-making processes that often ignored the concerns and needs of local communities.

Sustainable Development: The NBA aimed to promote a more sustainable approach to development, one that takes into account both environmental conservation and social justice. It advocated for the recognition of the rights of local communities and their active participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives and environment.

Led by activists like Medha Patkar, the Narmada Bachao Andolan used various forms of protest, including hunger strikes, rallies, demonstrations, and legal actions, to draw attention to their concerns and demand a reevaluation of the dam projects. The movement brought issues related to environmental conservation, indigenous rights, and sustainable development to the forefront of public discourse in India