Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh): Displaced people of Indira Sagar Dam launched a three-day demonstration in front of NHDC office on Monday. The administration granted permission for the agitation late Saturday night.
This public movement aims to address various unresolved issues faced by locals of 254 villages. The three-day demonstration aims to stop relocation of NHDC's office from Khandwa and demand immediate resolution of thousands of cases pending due to NHDC's negligence.
NHDC had earlier decided that in cases of Indira Sagar displaced people, no appeal will be made against displaced people in court and appeals which have been made, which are pending in High Court and Supreme Court, will be withdrawn unconditionally, and the displaced people will be paid. Yet, even after two decades, the displaced are waiting for justice.
According to advocate Sujan Singh Rathore, NHDC is planning to relocate its office from the district. The displaced community insisted that retaining the NHDC office in the district is crucial for resolving their pending cases in court.
Protesters called for special packages similar to those provided for the Sardar Sarovar and Omkareshwar projects, ownership rights for commercial plots in Naya Harsud and the rectification of uneven residential plots.
Dr DL Bakoria said that the primary demand is for the resolution of cases under Section 28A of the Land Acquisition Act. The displaced individuals are also seeking benefits such as stamp duty exemptions, ownership rights for commercial plots, access to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and affordable electricity. Additionally, protesters also demanded employment opportunities in fish farming and fishing for local committees.
