Article

The Narmada project, initiated in 1946 as a modest dam proposal, evolved into a significant controversy over water allocation and environmental concerns after hydrological studies necessitated a larger dam. The establishment of the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal in 1969 aimed to resolve inter-state conflicts but triggered civil society opposition regarding ecological impacts and community displacement. The project's legacy highlights the complex interplay between development, public scrutiny, and the consequences for affected populations.