New Delhi, 2 August 2017
Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN), India expresses its solidarity with
the people of the Narmada Valley who face the imminent threat of submergence,
displacement, and loss of their homes, lands, and livelihoods. We also extend
our solidarity with those who are on an indefinite fast for justice for the
affected persons. HLRN salutes the courage of the people and their relentless
struggle for social justice and the protection of human rights and the
environment.
HLRN is concerned about the persistent violation of court orders related to
the rehabilitation and resettlement of people affected by the Sardar Sarovar
Dam on the River Narmada. We are also concerned about the state’s blatant
disregard of its legal obligations under the Constitution of India as well as
numerous national and international laws, policies, norms, and guidelines,
including specific recommendations made by UN treaty bodies and Special
Procedures on the Sardar Sarovar Project. The actions of the central and state
governments also go against the recommendations of the World Commission on
Dams.
HLRN also condemns the destruction of cultural and heritage sites in the
area by state authorities, including the recent desecration of the Gandhi
Samadhi at Rajghat in Badwani.
We call upon the central government as well as the concerned state
governments to immediately implement all court orders related to the provision
of adequate rehabilitation and resettlement, to uphold India’s national and
international legal commitments, and to ensure that there is no further damage,
forced eviction, displacement, and violation of the human rights of the people
of the Narmada Valley as a result of any acts of omission or commission by the
state, including by closing the gates of the Dam.
