The Save Narmada Movement, widely known as the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), is one of India’s most significant environmental and social movements. Emerging in the mid-1980s, it was led by activists, villagers, and intellectuals to protest against the large-scale construction of dams on the Narmada River and their far-reaching impact on people, culture, and ecology.
Background
The Narmada River, flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, was chosen for a series of large dam projects under the Narmada Valley Development Plan. While these projects promised irrigation, drinking water, and power generation, they also threatened to submerge thousands of villages, displace lakhs of people, and damage the unique ecology of the valley.
Key Issues Raised
- Displacement of People – Tribal communities, farmers, and fisherfolk faced the loss of land, homes, and livelihoods.
- Ecological Concerns – Submergence of fertile lands, forests, and wildlife habitats posed grave environmental risks.
- Cultural Heritage – Ancient temples, ghats, and sacred sites along the Narmada were at risk of being lost forever.
- Rehabilitation and Justice – Activists demanded fair compensation, proper rehabilitation, and alternatives to displacement.
Leadership and Struggles
The movement gained prominence under the leadership of Medha Patkar, Baba Amte, and several grassroots activists. They organized satyagrahas, rallies, hunger strikes, and legal battles to raise awareness and resist unjust practices. Their efforts brought the plight of displaced communities into national and international focus.
Achievements
- The NBA succeeded in halting or delaying several dam projects until proper assessments were made.
- It brought rehabilitation policies and environmental clearances into the spotlight of Indian governance.
- The movement highlighted the importance of sustainable development and the voices of marginalized communities.
Legacy
The Save Narmada Movement remains a landmark in India’s struggle for environmental justice. More than just a protest against dams, it symbolized the defense of rivers, forests, people’s rights, and cultural heritage. The Narmada continues to flow as a lifeline, and the movement reminds us of the delicate balance between development and the preservation of nature and humanity.