NBA's contempt petition on dam project-affected persons' compensation: MP HC issues notice to ACS

Jabalpur, Jul 11 (PTI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday served notice to Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) vice chairman and state additional chief secretary Dr Rajesh Rajora in a contempt petition filed by Narmada Bachao Andolan seeking proper compensation to people affected by Omkareshwar dam project.

A single judge bench of Justice DD Bansal issued notice to Rajora seeking his reply.

On July 10, 2023, the court disposed of the petition of NBA with a direction to the Additional Chief Secretary, who is also the Vice Chairman of Bhopal-based Narmada Valley Development Authority, to consider the request of the petitioner as expeditiously as possible.

The NBA's contempt petition claimed the Madhya Pradesh government had announced a special rehabilitation package on June 7, 2023 for farmers and their families affected by the Omkareshwar dam. It provided for a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to those farmers and their children who do not have land.

As per the NBA's plea, project affected persons were not given proper compensation despite court orders. PTI COR LAL BNM