An Interview with the Chief Minister

Question: What is your response to Baba Andes threat offal Samadhi' on the Narmada controversy?
Answer: First we hope that Baba Anne, who is known for his selfless and dedicated work for the poor and the downtrodden will appreciate the miseries of 750,000 flood affected persons on the bank of Narmada river below the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Immense miseries are periodically suffered by Gujarat, especially North Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch during recurring droughts, when even drinking water is not available. Water is the major constraint in any further development of these regions. Baba Amte should realise this situation, which is not difficult, when he has actually toured these areas in the recent past. I hope that he would refrain from taking such precipitate action. On our part we have already started a dialogue with the representatives of Narmada Bachao Andolan, which is blessed by Baba Amte. Our Minister Shri Babubhai Patel and the Chairman of SSNN Ltd. had a dialogue with Swami Agnivesh on 13th December, 1990 at Delhi, when intensive discussions were held regarding viewpoints of both the sides. Shri Babubhai Patel made a fervent appeal to exercise utmost restraint on the part of representatives of Narmada Bachao Andolan.