Introduction
The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), meaning “Save the Narmada Movement,” is one of India’s most prominent non-violent environmental and social justice movements. It began in the 1980s to protest against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River, primarily the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The movement raised important concerns about displacement, environmental damage, and the rights of indigenous communities. Led by activists like Medha Patkar, the NBA has been a symbol of peaceful resistance, rooted in Gandhian principles.
Background of the Movement
- The Narmada Valley Development Project aimed to construct over 3,000 dams, including the large Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat.
- The project promised benefits like irrigation, electricity, and drinking water, but also threatened to displace over 250,000 people, mostly Adivasis (tribals) and farmers.
- Environmentalists feared submergence of forests, farmlands, and villages, along with serious ecological damage.
Objectives of Narmada Bachao Andolan
- To stop or alter the construction of large dams that cause mass displacement without proper rehabilitation
- To advocate for the rights of displaced people (oustees)
- To promote sustainable and equitable development
- To ensure environmental protection and participatory decision-making
Leadership and Key Figures
- Medha Patkar: A social activist and the main face of the NBA, known for her dedication and non-violent protests
- Baba Amte: Renowned Gandhian who supported the movement and lived with the affected people
- Other grassroots activists, environmentalists, students, and international supporters also played vital roles
Strategies and Non-Violent Methods
- Peaceful demonstrations and rallies
- Hunger strikes (fasts-unto-death)
- Jal Satyagraha (standing in rising dam waters as protest)
- Public interest litigations (PILs) in the Supreme Court
- Awareness campaigns through documentaries, articles, and international networking
Major Achievements and Outcomes
- The movement brought national and international attention to issues of displacement and ecological damage
- In 1994, the World Bank withdrew its funding from the Sardar Sarovar Project due to NBA’s pressure
- The Supreme Court issued guidelines mandating proper rehabilitation before further construction
- NBA helped develop a new discourse on development that includes human rights, environment, and sustainability
Criticism and Challenges
- Government viewed the movement as obstructive to development
- Not all displaced people were rehabilitated despite NBA efforts
- The movement sometimes faced media neglect or misrepresentation
Legacy and Relevance
- Narmada Bachao Andolan is a powerful example of how non-violent protest can challenge unjust development
- It led to greater awareness about the rights of displaced people and environmental justice
- Inspired similar movements like Tehri Dam protests and Save Western Ghats
Conclusion
The Narmada Bachao Andolan showed that development must not come at the cost of people and the environment. It demonstrated the power of peaceful resistance and highlighted the importance of inclusive planning. The NBA remains an important milestone in India’s history of non-violent movements and continues to inspire activism for justice, equity, and sustainability.