Medha Patkar ends 36-hour Jal Satyagraha in Gujarat, warns of restart

Medha Patkar concluded her 36-hour Jal Satyagraha in Chhoti Kasrawad, Madhya Pradesh, after receiving assurances from Debashree Mukherjee, the secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The protest aimed to address the rehabilitation issues faced by those affected by the Sardar Sarovar dam, which remains full despite ongoing concerns. Patkar criticized the Narmada Valley Development Authority's rehabilitation process, claiming it undermines the rights of displaced individuals. During the protest, Patkar emphasized the need for immediate and concrete actions to ensure proper rehabilitation for all affected people. She expressed dissatisfaction with the responses from both the Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat governments, which have yet to provide meaningful solutions. The presence of Barwani MLA Rajan Mandloi and a Supreme Court lawyer highlighted the significance of the movement. Mukherjee assured that water levels would not exceed 138.68 meters, in accordance with a Supreme Court order, and that rehabilitation efforts would continue. However, many questions remain unanswered, leaving the future of the displaced individuals uncertain. The Barwani Tehsildar's visit allowed for the presentation of grievances through a memorandum, but the lack of substantial government action has raised concerns among the protestors. Patkar warned that if her demands are not met, she would consider restarting the Jal Satyagraha. The movement reflects ongoing struggles for the rights of those affected by large-scale development projects, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective rehabilitation measures.