Medha Patkar led a movement to protest against a large dam’s construction? What was the name of the movement?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Narmada Bachao Andolan
Explanation
Medha Patkar is a renowned Indian social activist who initiated and led the Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save Narmada Movement) starting in 1985. The movement began as a massive social protest against the construction of a series of large dams being built across the Narmada River, which flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The primary focus of the protest was the mega-scale Sardar Sarovar Dam project in Gujarat.
The movement mobilized tribal communities (Adivasis), farmers, environmentalists, and human rights activists. Its central objective was to address the massive human displacement and environmental destruction caused by the dams. Millions of local residents faced losing their ancestral lands, homes, and livelihoods to the rising reservoir waters without receiving proper rehabilitation, fair compensation, or adequate resettlement options from the government.
Key Points
The Chipko Movement was a famous forest conservation movement launched in 1973 in Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh), led by activists like Sundarlal Bahuguna and Gaura Devi, where villagers hugged trees to protect them from commercial loggers.
The Save Ganga Movement (Ganga Bachao Andolan) is a widespread campaign supported by various saints and environmentalists aimed at cleaning the heavily polluted Ganga River and preventing its ecological degradation.
Project Tiger is a centrally sponsored wildlife conservation initiative launched by the Government of India in 1973 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which specific mega-dam project in Gujarat was the central point of protest for the Narmada Bachao Andolan?
Answer: The Sardar Sarovar Dam was the primary focus of the Narmada Bachao Andolan protests.
Question: Along with Medha Patkar, which other prominent Indian social activist and legal luminary lent crucial leadership to the Narmada Bachao Andolan?
Answer: Baba Amte was another prominent leader who actively participated in and guided the movement.