ABSTRACT
In January 1991, several social activists began an indefinite protest fast at the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) site demanding immediate suspension of dam construction pending a comprehensive review of the project. The SSP is being pushed through in the name of providing water to the people of Gujarat. The SSP is retroactively justified as a solution for the growing and very serious water scarcity in Gujarat. The SSP consumes much of the state government's budget for water projects. The alternative to the SSP seeks to develop and equitably distribute local resources of water and energy for sustainable development of the rural economy with locally available technology and finances. The suggested alternative to the SSP is rooted in a commitment to equity and self-reliance for sustainable enhancement of the productivity of land with efficient use of water and energy.
