At an all-party meeting called by the Chief Minister on Tuesday to discuss the various aspects of the implementation of the project, Congress leader and former Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam chairman Sanat Mehta wondered that the Government was not aware of the World Commission on Dams (WCD) holding a hearing on large dams in Sri Lanka this January.

Mehta told the meeting that he and a couple of others from the State had received a letter from the WCD inviting him as an observer to the hearing, and expressed surprise that the BJP Government was unaware of it. He said he was yet to make up his mind, and demanded that the Government should make its stand clear.

Mehta criticised the Government for not effectively countering the anti-dam propaganda being unleashed by Narmada Bachao Andolan. He complained that non-governmental organisations were not being involved in the rehabilitaion and resettlement of SSP oustees.

Leader of Opposition Amarsinh Chaudhary said there was general impression among the people that the delay would harm the State and cause tremendous price escalation. He said a pro-dam rally planned by Rajya Sabha member Urmilaben Patel at Kevadia on December 20 would have a positive impact on the imminent SC verdict.