Centre drops Par-Tapi-Narmada project in Gujarat after protests from tribals

Move comes after Union Ministers hold meetings with Gujarat’s tribal MPs, MLAs

After strong protests from tribals in south Gujarat, the Centre on Monday applied the brakes on the Par-Tapi-Narmada river-link project that was proposed in the Union budget. 

The decision to put the project on hold came after a meeting in New Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Water Resources Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Gujarat’s tribal MPs and MLAs, including State BJP chief C.R. Paatil. 

The State government has apparently conveyed to the Centre about protests by the local tribals in south Gujarat and its likely electoral impact on the forthcoming Assembly poll in the State. 

According to sources, Mr. Shekhawat has assured the State leaders that if Gujarat was not in agreement regarding the project, it would not be implemented. He reportedly told them in the meeting that the consent of both Gujarat and Maharashtra was required to launch the project and if any State was not in agreement, the project could not be launched. 

The State BJP leaders also alleged that the tribals were being “misled by the Congress ahead of the Assembly poll,” in south Gujarat. 

Earlier, more than 5,000 tribals had gathered in State capital Gandhinagar to oppose the proposed Par-Tapi-Narmada river link project, which the local communities fear will displace residents in south Gujarat. 

Before holding a protest rally in Gandhinagar, thousands of tribals had gathered to register their strong protest in Dangs on March 18. So far, the local residents have held half a dozen rallies and protests objecting to the project, which they claim would destroy their livelihood in Valsad, Dangs and Navsari districts.