Finally, after a long time the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River was dedicated to the nation. It is shocking that the second highest dam in the world took 56 years to be completed. The reason for this being into the judicial battles is the problems of the people who were going to be losing their land due to inundation; but considering the benefits of the dam it must be said that we are at least 6 decades late in this project. May the centre and the all the states take a lesson from this, be alert and not delay any project which helps in the development of the country. Many projects in the country are delayed because of agitation of the affected persons and political upmanship. This leads to delay which in time leads to increase in cost. The government needs to develop the talent of balancing the benefits and shortfalls of the project first and then push the project through. Sardar Sarovar Dam is an example that the governments come and go but the dispute remains and the project and the nation remains at same place; let this be the last important project that was delayed and hence a loss to the nation. More importantly it must be remembered that when World Bank denied funds for the project, the temples came forward and opened their coffers. The temples always contribute liberally for the welfare projects of the Nation. The Government should not turn their attention to the temples when they are in need of money; but do their bit to ensure the welfare of the temples.
Jayesh Rane
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
