Quick Summary
Started in 1985, the Narmada Bachao Andolan is a major people’s movement opposing large dams on the Narmada River to prevent mass displacement and ecological damage.
Led by Medha Patkar, it raised global awareness, influenced legal reforms, and pushed the World Bank to withdraw funding in 1993.
The movement’s impact lies in promoting sustainable development, tribal rights, and nonviolent resistance in India.
Table of Contents
The Narmada Bachao Movement, launched in 1985, is a major social and environmental movement in India. Also known as Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) or “Save the Narmada Movement,” it opposes the construction of large dams on the Narmada River, which flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Led by Medha Patkar and supported by tribals, farmers, environmentalists, and human rights activists, the movement highlights issues of mass displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental damage. It is one of India’s most significant nonviolent resistance movements post-independence.
The Narmada Bachao Movement, which began in February 1985, remains a landmark example of environmental and social justice activism in India. Unlike many short-lived protests, this movement has sustained itself for decades by highlighting the devastating impact of large dam projects on the Narmada River, particularly on tribal communities, farmers, and the environment. With a strong focus on non-violent resistance, legal battles, and grassroots mobilization, the Narmada Bachao Movement continues to challenge the idea that development must come at the cost of displacement and ecological damage. It stands as a reminder that true progress must be inclusive and sustainable.
As part of the Narmada Valley Development Project, the Indian government constructed 30 large, 135 medium, and 3,000 small dams across the Narmada River and its tributaries in 1979. The ambitious project aimed to produce hydroelectric power, drinking water, and river irrigation.
Nonetheless, the project would submerge 37,000 hectares of pristine forests and agricultural land, displacing over 200,000 people, including tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat
The Narmada Bachao Andolan year of 1985 was when Medha Patkar and her colleagues protested against the building of the Narmada dam. She, along with the dam-affected tribal groups, founded the NBA movement. Before construction, the NBA demanded fair compensation, displaced people rehabilitation, and cost-benefit analysis and clearance.
The Narmada Bachao movement involved tribal groups and garnered national and international attention. The Narmada valley in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat saw decades of protests. Although the NBA stopped controlled dam construction, uncontrolled development continues even today.
Farmers, environmentalists, tribal leaders, and human rights activists led the movement. Baba Amte and Medha Patkar led the NBA. Without rehabilitation plans, the projects would displace many tribal communities and rural residents, and large-scale damming could disrupt the region’s delicate ecology.
The movement primarily occurred in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat’s Narmada river valley. The agitation was centered in Madhya Pradesh’s hilly tribal areas, where indigenous communities were most affected.
Since Narmada Bachao Andolan’s year, environmental concerns and displacement have been the movement’s driving forces. Different forms of the movement continued over time. NBA priority Sardar Sarovar Dam construction resumed in 1999 after protests and controversies. The dam was completed and officially inaugurated in 2017. The NBA has not officially ended the movement, which peaked in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Here are some popular slogans associated with the Narmada Bachao Andolan:
These slogans captured the spirit of resistance, emphasizing environmental preservation, the rights of displaced communities, and sustainable development.
The Narmada River, carving its path westward across the Indian peninsula, is the longest river flowing in that direction. It nourishes the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and even brushes the borders of Rajasthan.
Flowing for 1,312 kilometers, the Narmada’s journey is a tapestry of diverse landscapes. It winds through rocky gorges, fertile agricultural plains, and dense forests before meeting its destiny in the Arabian Sea.
Encompassed on three sides by the Maikal, Vindhya, and Satpura mountain ranges, the Narmada collects the waters of 41 tributaries before emptying into the Arabian Sea. These tributaries form a vital river system that sustains the region.
The Narmada River is not just a geographical wonder; it’s the lifeblood of the surrounding region. Over 81% of the area is rural, with tribal communities like the Baigas, Gonds, and Bhils depending on the river for their agricultural livelihoods. It’s a testament to the deep connection between the Narmada and the people who call its valley home.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 1,312 kilometers |
| Direction | Flows westward across the Indian peninsula |
| States Nourished | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and borders of Rajasthan |
| End Point | Arabian Sea |
| Geographical Highlights | Rocky gorges, fertile agricultural plains, dense forests |
| Surrounding Mountain Ranges | Maikal, Vindhya, and Satpura ranges |
| Number of Tributaries | 41 tributaries |
| Significance | Lifeblood for rural and tribal communities (Baigas, Gonds, Bhils) in the region |
| Percentage of Rural Area | Over 81% |
| Primary Use | Agricultural livelihoods for surrounding communities |
The NBA means “Save Narmada Movement” in English. The Narmada bachao andolan date is 1985 under the nonviolent leadership of activist Medha Patkar and tribal communities.
The movement began as a protest against central Indian authorities building large Narmada dams. The ambitious river valley development project in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra sought to build over 3,000 dams of various sizes across the Narmada and its tributaries.
The construction of dams was justified for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower, but dams’ massive ecological and social costs were ignored. The displacement of hundreds of thousands of indigenous tribal people whose lands and livelihoods would be submerged by reservoir waters
Medha Patkar rallied Narmada natives to demand fair rehabilitation, compensation, and redress before building dams that would uproot their lives after seeing human suffering in her investigations.
The Narmada Bachao movement’s rallies, hunger strikes, marches, and protests demanded cost-benefit analyses of social, environmental, and commercial impacts. They defended the rights of marginalized tribal communities with no say in development policies.
Nearly four decades of peaceful activism in the Narmada Valley have exposed uncontrolled river development and forced dam building and rehabilitation policies to be held accountable. Indigenous tribal leaders continue to fight for human rights and ecology.
Medha Patkar and dam-affected tribal peoples led Narmada Bachao Andolan in 1985.
Medha Patkar visited the Narmada Valley in 1985 to study the social impact of dam projects on indigenous residents. She conducted extensive grassroots research and door-to-door surveys to document local issues. Her investigations revealed that tribal communities were unaware of the plans, and their displacement concerns were ignored.
These findings and the scale of human suffering they would cause prompted Patkar to help the Narmada natives. She founded Narmada Bachao Andolan with tribal people to advocate for fair rehabilitation of displaced people and government accountability.
In this section, we will learn more about Narmada Bachao Andolan and the essential highlights of the issue. The Narmada Bachao movement raised several issues with government dam construction plans:
Narmada bachao andolan was led by native Narmada valley tribes-Bhilala, Bhil, Bhil, and Adivasis—after the planned dams and reservoirs displaced them.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Baba Amte | Famous social activist who founded the Anandwan community for disabled people. He was vital to the NBA movement. |
| Lal Bihari Mukati | Madhya Pradesh farmer leader affected by Maheshwar dam. He helped boost local participation. |
| Mohan Bhai | Led the struggle against the Bargi dam, participating in hunger strikes and rallies. |
| Yogini Bai | Tribal woman activist who led local women in Man Dam protests. |
| Urmila Devi | Tribal leader of Indira Sagar dam protests. |
| Kamla Devi | Local Adivasi woman who led the Omkareshwar dam fight. |
Long-term activism by these grassroots leaders rallied affected communities and challenged indifferent authorities.
The Narmada bachao andolan started in 1985 and went on for four decades. Major NBA protests, marches, and civil disobedience campaigns occurred in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, and throughout the 2000s.
Some key events include:
The Narmada Bachao movement stopped or delayed dam projects and rehabilitated displaced families. However, new dam plans keep the fight going.
The Narmada Bachao movement highlights indigenous communities’ sacrifices to protect local ecology and way of life from government-backed commercial interests. India’s iconic environmental and human rights movement continues.
The impact of Narmada Bachao Andolan has been significant in raising awareness about displacement, human rights violations, and the socio-environmental consequences of large dam projects in India. The critical effects and outcomes include:
Medha Patkar and tribal activists’ long fight inspired grassroots environmental activism across India. It demonstrated how nonviolent resistance could challenge powerful commercial interests through people’s power. This improved local participation in ecological and livelihood development.
Due to their high social and ecological costs, NBA advocacy sparked policy debates on whether large dams were the best solution. Net benefits trumped aspirational development goals in decision-making. Cost-benefit analyses and rehabilitation policies were discussed.
Public interest litigations challenging dam construction helped the Narmada Bachao Andolan win some critical cases. This included orders to stop work, rehabilitate displaced people, gradually raise dam heights, and improve family entitlements.
After Patkar’s hunger strike, the NBA convinced authorities to lower the Sardar Sarovar dam’s height from 152 to 138 meters, a significant victory. This significantly reduced submersion, saving downstream villages.
The decades-long protests delayed and disrupted dam projects. Frequent stalling caused project budget and time overruns. Some were halted halfway, resulting in suboptimal outcomes.
Dam authorities had to be more accountable and transparent about rehabilitation due to Andolan pressure. Activists challenged corruption and exclusion. Authorities had to demonstrate progress by rehabilitating affected families before further construction could proceed.
The Narmada Bachao movement symbolized nonviolent people’s movements in Indian democracy. Innovating to demand justice and participation without extremism showed grassroots empowerment.
Even though many NBA dams continued, protests reduced their harms, ensured fairer rehabilitation, built tribal agency, and brought accountability. It showed how uncontrolled, cost-benefit development projects harm people and the environment. New dam proposals inspire activists to continue the Narmada struggle.
The Narmada Bachao Andolan, echoing the Chipko movement before it, is a powerful testament to grassroots activism. It championed environmental protection and the well-being of communities threatened by large-scale development projects. Led by inspiring figures like Medha Patkar, Baba Amte, and Indigenous peoples, the movement persevered despite facing repression.
The Narmada Bachao Andolan’s legacy extends far beyond its immediate goals. It sparked a crucial conversation about responsible development and safeguarding ecological balance. The movement’s influence continues in environmental struggles across India and beyond.
The primary leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan was Medha Patkar. Domestically, the movement aimed to establish an alternative model of development, while internationally, it sought to pressure the World Bank into being held accountable.
The Narmada Bachao Andolan is known for its motto: “Vikas Chahiye, Vinash Nahin.” Additionally, it emphasizes: “Koi nahi hatega, bandh nahi banega.”
The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is a grassroots campaign opposing the construction of major dams on the Narmada River, notably the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Considered one of the most powerful mass movements in India, the Narmada Bachao Andolan began in 1985 as a protest against the construction of dams like the Sardar Sarovar and Narmada Sagar on the Narmada River. These massive projects were expected to displace nearly 2.5 lakh people, raising serious concerns about human rights, environmental sustainability, and rehabilitation.
The World Bank initially agreed to fund the Sardar Sarovar Dam but later withdrew its financial support due to significant environmental concerns and widespread public protests.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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