[478] in peace2
A Public Hearing on the Narmada Dam in Boston
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Vinay Kumar - Athena UID)
Mon Nov 27 18:21:31 2000
From: Vinay Kumar - Athena UID <vkumar@ai.mit.edu>
Message-Id: <200011272308.SAA22539@visual-cortex.mit.edu>
To: secular@MIT.EDU, peace-list@MIT.EDU
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2000 18:08:05 -0500 (EST)
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Sangam presents
Jan Sunvai
A Public Hearing on the Narmada Dam
Saturday, December 2, 2000 at 3pm
MIT, Room 2-190
For more than 15 years, a battle has been waged for the waters
of the Narmada river. It is argued by some that large dams on the
Narmada will bring water to the parched regions of Gujarat, for much
needed development. On the other hand, others argue that the whole
project will benefit only a small powerful elite and is an unmitigated
human and environmental disaster. Between these two are the vast Indian
masses uncertain about the issues that the dam raises.
The Supreme Court of India has decided in the favour of the project.
While the verdict was received with jubilation in Gujarat, it was
received with anger and dismay by the people of the Narmada valley.
Author Arundhati Roy described the verdict as "an event in which the
highest court in the country actually condones and encourages the
violation of the human rights of Indian Citizens."
Even after years of dogged efforts by several people, little is known
about the Sardar Sarovar Project and its impacts. With no serious
debate in the mainstream of public life, the entire issue is merely
seen as yet another example of "how difficult it is to get anything
done in India." What is the story of the Narmada Dam? What are the
issues raised by this dam and the decision of the Supreme court? How did
this dam end up being so controversial? Can you do something about it?
As members of the community who are profoundly affected by decisions
about development and natural resource utilization, let us try to
understand this issue, arrive at a consensus and make a difference.
An hour long panel discussion with speakers, Dr. Sanjeev Khagram,
Shrinath Chidambaram and Vinay Kumar will be followed by an open
discussion with the audience. We will culminate with an evening of
cultural activities centered around the Narmada issue.
Contacts: Samudra Vijay (617) 577-5768 and Jaspal (617) 497 0316
