The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is one of India’s most well-known environmental and social justice movements. It emerged as a response to the large-scale development projects planned along the Narmada River, which threatened to displace thousands of people and submerge forests and fertile land. The movement became a symbol of resistance against unbalanced development and sparked debates over the rights of indigenous communities, sustainable development, and ecological preservation. It brought global attention to the human cost of mega infrastructure projects, particularly large dams, and questioned the long-term consequences of such ventures.
Origins of the Narmada Bachao Andolan
The Narmada Bachao Andolan began in the 1980s in opposition to the Sardar Sarovar Dam project, one of the largest and most controversial multipurpose river valley development projects in India. The Narmada River, which flows across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, was selected for extensive damming as part of the Narmada Valley Development Project (NVDP). The Sardar Sarovar Dam was intended to provide irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. However, this promise came with significant social and environmental costs.
Led by activists like Medha Patkar, Baba Amte, and several grassroots organizations, the NBA raised critical concerns about the displacement of tribal populations (Adivasis), farmers, and rural dwellers. Many of these communities were not adequately informed about the project and were at risk of losing their homes, lands, and livelihoods without fair compensation or rehabilitation.
Main Objectives of the Movement
The NBA was not merely anti-dam; rather, it was a pro-people and pro-environment movement that pushed for more sustainable and equitable development. Its primary goals included:
- Stopping construction of large dams that would cause mass displacement and environmental destruction.
- Ensuring proper rehabilitation and resettlement for displaced communities.
- Protecting the rights of tribal populations and other marginalized groups affected by the dam.
- Promoting alternative, small-scale, and sustainable water management methods.
- Encouraging democratic participation in developmental decision-making.
Legal and Political Challenges
Over the years, the Narmada Bachao Andolan engaged in several legal battles. One of the landmark moments in the movement was the filing of a petition in the Supreme Court of India in 1994. The court initially halted construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam due to concerns about displacement and the failure of the government to implement proper rehabilitation plans. However, after years of deliberation, the Supreme Court allowed the dam’s construction to resume in 2000 with certain conditions on resettlement and environmental assessments.
Despite the legal permissions, the NBA continued to push for accountability, transparency, and justice. It exposed multiple flaws in government resettlement schemes and highlighted instances where affected families were either left out or resettled in inadequate conditions. The political landscape surrounding the project was also tense, with some state governments in favor of completing the dam at any cost, while civil society groups raised ethical and humanitarian concerns.
Medha Patkar and the Role of Leadership
Medha Patkar, a key leader of the NBA, became the face of the movement. Trained as a social worker, she dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of those impacted by developmental displacement. Her hunger strikes, peaceful protests, and consistent public engagement helped draw national and international attention to the movement.
Patkar’s leadership emphasized non-violent resistance and drew inspiration from Gandhian philosophy. Under her guidance, the NBA also expanded its focus to broader issues such as environmental degradation, human rights, and participatory democracy. Her work earned her numerous awards and recognition, although she also faced criticism and political backlash from pro-development factions.
Impact on Development Discourse
The Narmada Bachao Andolan significantly influenced how development is perceived and debated in India. It challenged the conventional notion that large infrastructure projects automatically bring progress. Instead, it highlighted the unequal distribution of costs and benefits, where marginalized communities often bear the brunt of so-called development.
The movement brought terms like social impact assessment and environmental impact assessment into the mainstream and made them essential components of policy discussions. It also played a key role in the formulation of India’s National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy and shaped discourse on human rights in the context of economic development.
International Support and Awareness
The NBA gained international attention and support from organizations, academics, and environmentalists across the world. In 1992, the World Bank was forced to withdraw funding from the Sardar Sarovar Dam after its own review panel criticized the project for poor planning and disregard for human rights. This was a rare and significant victory for a grassroots movement and demonstrated the power of civil society to influence international finance institutions.
The global awareness surrounding the NBA also encouraged similar movements in other parts of the world. It inspired resistance against dam projects in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, where local populations faced similar threats of displacement and ecological destruction.
Criticism and Counterarguments
Despite its many accomplishments, the Narmada Bachao Andolan has faced criticism. Some proponents of the dam argue that the NBA delayed a critical project that could have provided water and electricity to millions. They claim that the dam brought benefits to drought-prone regions and improved agricultural output in parts of Gujarat.
Others argue that while the NBA raised valid concerns, its rigid opposition to large dams sometimes ignored the possibility of compromise or innovation in dam construction and resettlement. Nevertheless, even critics often acknowledge the NBA’s role in demanding better governance and greater accountability.
Legacy and Continuing Relevance
Even though major construction on the Sardar Sarovar Dam has been completed, the legacy of the Narmada Bachao Andolan continues. It remains a powerful example of how grassroots movements can influence national policy and hold powerful institutions accountable. Its efforts led to more inclusive development dialogues and encouraged participatory planning in future infrastructure projects.
The NBA also sparked greater awareness about river ecology, the rights of indigenous populations, and the ethical responsibilities of governments in democratic societies. In an era of climate change and increasing environmental degradation, the lessons from the Narmada movement are more relevant than ever.
The Narmada Bachao Andolan is a landmark movement in the history of environmental justice and social activism in India. It raised fundamental questions about the cost of development and whose voices matter in the planning process. By focusing on human rights, ecological balance, and equitable growth, the NBA redefined what it means to develop responsibly in a democratic society. Its impact has gone far beyond the Narmada Valley, leaving a lasting impression on the global discourse on sustainable and inclusive development.