Minister of State for Narmada Valley Development lal Singh Arya had held discussions with the Omkareshwar dam protesters at Narmada Bhavan on April 23 last. The Minister of State had told the agitators that the doors of the Government are always open for discussions, Government sources have claimed.
It is noteworthy that the Chief Secretary and departmental Principal Secretary have also held discussions with the representatives of demonstrators. Thus, the statement of the agitators that the Government did not respond to their letter and did not initiate dialogue is false and misleading, it is claimed.
It may be mentioned that those opposing filling of reservoir had sent a letter to the Chief Minister for holding discussions. On the Chief Minister's directive, the Chief Secretary, Minister of State and the Principal Secretary had held detailed discussions with the representatives of the agitators. Arya asked the agitators to move away from the reservoir in the larger interests of the farmers, but the representatives stuck to their demand to empty the reservoir.
Apart from informing representatives of agitators about resettlement and rehabilitation, Arya also informed them about `225 cr package sanctioned by the Chief Minister. Arya informed that the Government had offered alternative land to 221 families wanting land for land.
But they turned down the offer. Arya assured that sincere initiative is being taken to make available alternative agriculture land to these families. Principal Secretary Narmada Valley Development Rajneesh Vaish and other officers were present at the meeting.
It is noteworthy that thousands of farmers in the command area have welcomed filling of Omkareshwar project reservoir to 191m and release of water in main left bank canal. About 28,000 farmers will get the benefit of summer crops in one lakh hectares through this 64 km long canal. As per an estimate, summer crops worth Rs 560 cr will be grown by the farmers.