Medha Patkar withdraws agitation

Renowned environmentalist Medha Patkar yesterday withdrew her two-day-old agitation following assurances given by the Maharashtra government about rehabilitation of Sardar Sarovar Project affected families.

The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader had resorted to an indefinite dharna near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, located adjacent to Mantralaya, the seat of the state government, since July 12.

She announced her decision following talks with rehabilitation minister Patangrao Kadam.

Patkar said the state government has agreed to rehabilitate 1000 project affected families with immediate effect.

Also, the state government has further assured of once again carrying out a survey to include more families as project affected, the NBA leader said adding, compensation of Rs 6,000 would be given to those families affected this year due to the project.

"We are withdrawing the indefinite strike after assurance from state government," Patkar said adding if the state government fails to fulfill the same in one and a half months then she would again launch agitation.

She said the high power committee for the rehabilitation work under chief secretary would now be headed by divisional commissioner to speed up the rehabilitation process.