(1) Why is Sardar Sarovar Project mentioned as multipurpose mega-scale dam?

Question

Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: 

Sardar Sarovar Project is a multipurpose mega-scale dam. Its Advocates say that it would benefit huge areas of Gujarat and the three adjoining states in terms of availability of drinking water and water for irrigation, generation of electricity and increase in agricultural production. Many more subsidiary benefits like effective flood and drought control in the region were linked to the success of this dam. In the process of construction of the dam 245 villages from these States were expected to get submerged. It required relocation of around two and a half lakh people from f these villages. Issues of relocation and proper rehabilitation of the project-affected people were first raised by local activist groups. It was around 1988-89 that the issues crystallised under the banner of the NBA – a loose collective of local voluntary organisations. 

(1) Why is Sardar Sarovar Project mentioned as multipurpose mega-scale dam? 

(2) Why was it opposed by villagers? 

(3) Name the organisation which led the movement against this project. 

(4) What was the main demand of Local Activist Groups?

Answer 1

1. Because it fulfilled the various purposes together as to benefit huge areas of Gujarat and three adjoining states: 

• Availability of drinking water 

• Water for irrigation 

• Generation of electricity 

• Effective floods and drought control in the region. 

2. Because in the process of construction of dam about 245 villages from these states were expected to be submerged alongwith the population of two and a half lakh people. 

3. Local activist group under the banner of Narmada Bachao Andolan. 

4. To relocate and proper rehabilitation of project affected people.