TNI Bureau: Hundreds of villages in the Khandwa region of Madhya Pradesh, have resorted to a unique protest by standing in neck-deep water for over two weeks. They have been demanding rehabilitation, after the Omkareshwar Dam waters flooded their houses and land.
The villagers have launched a “Jal Satyagrah” and standing in the water with damp and wet bodies without bothering about the consequences. Ironically, the state government hasn’t yet responded to their agitation.
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According to the farmers, over 1,000 acre land has been submerged by the swollen dam. At least 60 villages are on the verge of extinction. “We are ready to drwon in the rising water if the government does not fulfill out demands,” said the protesters.
Many women protesters have joined their male counterparts in the “Jal Satyagraha”. The 520 MW Omkareshwar project is one of the biggerst dams on the Narmada river, built by the Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation.