Narmada countdown
1931:
The British government proposes a plan for development of the Narmada valley.
1961:
Jawaharlal Nehru lays the foundation stone of the Sardar Sarovar project.
1969:
A Narmada tribunal is set up to decide water distribution.
1974:
At Indira Gandhi's behest, Rajasthan is given 1,215 million cubic metres (cum) and Maharashtra 607.5 million cum out of a total of 68,040 million cum water available from the Narmada annually.
1979:
The tribunal allows Gujarat to decide water distribution within the state.
World Bank (WB) issues US $10 million loan for project appraisal.
1985:
Medha Patkar and other activists launch protests against dam construction.
1987:
Narmada Bachao Andolan holds first negotiating session with the WB and state governments and Union representatives on the rehabilitation of the displaced villagers.
The Union environment ministry clears the dam project.
1988:
Planning Commission accords investment clearance to the project.
1989:
The Centre clears 2,500 ha of forest land for the settlement of dam oustees.
1990:
WB clears Rs 1,200 crore for the project.
1991:
WB forms Morse committee to review the project.
1992:
The Morse committee report calls for withdrawal of WB from Sardar Sarovar project.
WB Board of directors clears the project, on the condition its benchmarks are met by March 31, 1993.
1993:
The Narmada Bachao Andolan announces referendum on whether people in the areas that would be submerged want to be shifted.
India suspends WB loan just before benchmark deadline expires.