My Science School

            Nature has a rhythm and its own set of rules. Man, one among the innumerable species of life, must respect it. Dams might be good for the economic development of a nation; however, if it is at the cost of nature, then we are doing a great disfavour to ourselves. Medha Patkar fought against dams in the Narmada River, because they were destroying nature.

          Medha Patkar came to public’s attention as one of India’s champions who supported the cause of tribal people. The dams on the Narmada River were affecting the life and environment of these people. Medha Patkar is best known as the leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan.

        The Narmada Bachao Andolan also known as NBA is a social movement protesting against the dam on river Narmada, which began in 1985. The protest consisted of adivasis, farmers, fish workers, labourers and others in the Narmada valley. Patkar is the founder member of the 32 year old people’s movement in three states: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The movement started as a protest against the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The protest is still on.

       She also participated in many other movements like the Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan. Medha Patkar has been arrested several times for her activism.