River-linking sets off protest

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on May 3,2010 between Union government and the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra,proposing a 395-kilometer canal along with seven dams at a cost of Rs 6,016 crore to connect these with Narmada Command Area as a part of National Inter-Linking of Rivers scheme. Villagers and activists say the Dangs and eastern parts of Valsad face severe water shortages in the drier months of the year.

According to NWDA,a total of 14,832 persons will be affected in 75 villages of Gujarat and in three districts Maharashtra by these dams. A feasibility report prepared by NWDA says about 7,041 million cubic metres (MCMS) of water will go to Saurashtra and Kutch and 460 MCMS will be utilised to irrigate 1.63 lakh hectares en route; 149 MCMS will be lost along the link canal during transmission.

PSS member Anand Mazgaonkar said the rally is being held so that villagers likely to be affected by the project can interact with villagers of other parts that would be hit.

Earlier,in January 2010,residents of Kelwan in tribal-dominated Dangs,reportedly did not allow surveys by NWDA,saying water was being diverted to Saurashtra and Kutch to “benefit industries”.