Author: Milind Ghatwai
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: May 1, 2006
URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/story/3548.html
Introduction: 9 families have even got the
deals registered, now being told not to shift, seek package like Gujarat
Of the 48 families on whose behalf the Narmada
Bachao Andolan (NBA) petitioned the Supreme Court in February saying they
have not been rehabilitated, at least nine families have used money provided
under the Madhya Pradesh government's Special Rehabilitation Package (SRP)
to buy land of their choice. And now these families say they are being told
by the NBA not to relocate and ask for more.
Torn between years of loyalty to the NBA and
a surer life elsewhere, the families can't decide: "Dono acche hain (both
are good)". By "dono", they mean the NBA which made them aware
of their rights and the state government which, under pressure from the NBA
and the court, kept upgrading its rehabilitation package to make it more appealing.
The Indian Express tracked down the families
of Nirbhaysingh, Mohansingh, Andisingh alias Ansingh, Shankarsingh, Sayasingh,
Ramiyasingh, Revsingh, Bhagiyasingh, (they are all brothers, sons of Gulsingh)
and Dhulsingh Kulariya to Bhitada in Alirajpur tehsil of Jhabua district.
They confirmed they had purchased land in
Chikalda in Kukshi taluka of neighbouring Dhar district and these deals had
even been registered on April 13.
Others in the village said they too were tempted
to opt for the same package and would wait for word on what happens in the
Supreme Court before deciding. Tomorrow, the Supreme Court is scheduled to
take up NBA's petition, seeking directions to stop the construction to raise
the Sardar Sarovar dam height.
"We liked the land and purchased it,"
said Sayasingh, admitting that the government helped them in sealing the deals.
All the nine families had always sided with the NBA which first taught them
never to relocate, later told them only to settle for "land for land
in MP".
They saw merit in the government argument
that purchasing land of their choice in MP meets their original demand. "We
saw no reason not to accept the package," said Sayasingh, admitting that
the NBA advised villagers against it.
They were all set to shift after the lands
were registered in their names but stopped because Medha Patkar was holding
a rally nearby. The NBA even had a volunteer staying in the village to dissuade
them from relocating.
"We were told to demand more... We too
want irrigation facility, bulls, bullock-carts and pucca houses, a package
similar to Gujarat," said Mohansingh. "Wahan bhi (Gujarat) sarkar
deti hai to yahan (MP) bhi sarkar de. Sarkar to ek hi hai," said Shankarsingh.
The villagers have also been told to get ready
for another petition, demanding similar package for all who are 18 years of
age. None in the village is sure of his or her age but none is willing to
let this chance go.
"There are so many of us," said
one who looked a lot younger than 18.
Government officials say others in village
are weighing their options, realising they could buy land of their choice.
"They want to accept the SRP but are
under the NBA's influence. They will decide once the court decides,"
an official said.
"All their legitimate demands have been
met, we are not bound to give anything more," said Commissioner (Rehabilitation)
Vinod Kumar, adding that the NBA was "trying to create hurdles".
