COURT SENTENCES MEDHA PATKAR FOR DEFAMING DELHI’S L-G

Why in the news?

  • Medha Patkar, renowned activist and Narmada Bachao Andolan co-founder, received a five-month jail term and ₹10-lakh fine for a 23-year-old defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena.
  • The case stemmed from allegations made by Patkar against Saxena’s character and patriotism in relation to a contentious dam project on the Narmada river.

Narmada Bachao Andolan(NBA)

What is NBA?

  • The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is an Indian social movement established in 1985.
  • It opposes the construction of several large dams on the Narmada River, led by activist Medha Patkar.
  • NBA argues that dam projects will displace thousands and harm the environment.
Source: etv

Formation and Objectives

  • Origins: Formed by various local groups like Narmada Asargrastha Samiti (Gujarat), Narmada Ghati Nav Nirman Samiti (Madhya Pradesh), and Narmada Dharangrastha Samiti (Maharashtra).
  • Leadership: Medha Patkar led NBA’s non-violent protests, advocating for a sustainable development model nationally and challenging international bodies like the World Bank.
About Narmada River:

Geographical Features:

  • Narmada is the largest west-flowing river in the peninsular region of India.
  • It flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya Range to the north and the Satpura Range to the south.
  • Unlike other rivers in central India that flow eastwards, Narmada flows westwards due to the rift valleys.

Origin and Course:

  • Originates from the Maikala range near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Drains a significant area in Madhya Pradesh, with parts also in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/interlinking-of-rivers-2/