What was Narmada Bachao Andolan? What was the criticism against it?

Narmada Bachao Andolan was a movement against a developmental project launched in the Narmada valley by the government of India. The project consisted of 30 big, 130 medium and about 3000 small-sized dams to be constructed on Narmada and its tributaries. The movement opposed this project as more than 2 lac people living in 245 villages had to be relocated due to the construction of dams. The movement was initially aimed at proper and just rehabilitation of people affected by the project.

Criticism against the movement –

The movement gradually began to oppose the whole project altogether and was met by severe opposition in states like Gujarat. It was heavily criticised by many people who saw the movement as an obstruction in the process of economic development, as the project was considered essential for providing access to water to a large number of people.