Two public hearings of the Narmada rehabilitees have taken place in the last two couple of days to discuss the problems faced by the displaced and to find their solutions.

A five-member committee has been formed to study various aspects of the displacement created by the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) dam. The committee comprises people from various walks of life. The first public hearing took place in Parvata village of Naswadi on Friday and was followed by the hearing in Dediapada on Saturday.

In the first hearing, about 300 displaced families that had gathered at the venue said the promises made by the Gujarat government were never fulfilled. “Naswadi faces problems related to land and shortage of water resources,” said Anand Mazgaonkar, an activist with the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti.

“We are following a democratic course of action. Later, a report would be sent to the concerned authorities,” said Mazgaonkar.

In the second public hearing in Dediapada, about 400 displaced people, who had gathered at the spot, complained about the futility of constructing wells under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). They said because of the water scarcity the efforts did not bear fruit.

“The rehabilitees said they never received payments on time for the work done under the NREGS. Moreover, the wells dried up leading to shortage of water,” said Mazgaonkar.