Question

What are the outcomes of Narmada Bachao Andolan?

Answer 1

1. Withdrawal of World Bank support: One of the most notable achievements was the withdrawal of World Bank funding for the Sardar Sarovar Dam, following an Independent Review that confirmed concerns about the displacement and resettlement of affected communities.
2. Increased global and domestic awareness: The movement brought international attention to the issues of displacement, environmental degradation, and the need for just resettlement policies. It highlighted the shortcomings in development models that ignored social and environmental costs.
3. Expansion into a broader social movement: Initially focused on resettlement concerns, the NBA evolved into a larger critique of the state’s development paradigm. It linked with other movements advocating for transparency, accountability, and the rights of marginalized communities.
4. Use of innovative protest methods: The NBA adopted and innovated on Gandhian methods of protest, including dharnas, satyagrahas, fasts, marches, and even symbolic acts like ‘jal samarpan’ (offering oneself to the river), emphasizing deep cultural ties with nature.
5. Impact on policy and movements: The movement inspired similar protests against large dams and other development projects across India, bringing environmental and sociological issues into mainstream discourse.
6. Judicial setback: Despite its efforts, the movement suffered a significant setback when the Supreme Court in 2001 allowed the Gujarat government to continue dam construction.