The Sardar Sarovar Project: Assessing Economic and Social Impacts

A much-needed post-facto evaluation of one of the most controversial projects in recent history―the Sardar Sarovar Project

Built across the Narmada River, the Sardar Sarovar Project has faced a multitude of economic, financial, social, and environmental challenges since its inception. Its environmental and socioeconomic impacts, as also the net costs and benefits, have been at the center of controversies leading to many protests in recent times.

This book argues that, if properly implemented, such a large project provides a unique opportunity to improve the quality of life of millions of people, who in most cases live in disadvantageous situations.

The book also tracks the history of rehabilitation and resettlement of people displaced from the Narmada valley to examine how their socioeconomic and cultural life has changed over time.

S. Jagadeesan retired from the Indian Administrative Service in 2013 as the Managing Director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL). He has held many prestigious positions in state and central  government services as a bureaucrat, and has also served as Minister (Economic) to High Commission of India, London.

M. Dinesh Kumar is Executive Director, Institute for Resource Analysis and Policy (IRAP), Hyderabad. He has 24 years of professional experience in the water and agriculture sector, undertaking research, consulting, action research, and training. He is also the Associate Editor for Water Policy and the Editorial Board Member for International Journal of Water Resources Development. He has three books and nearly 150 research articles, including many in international peer-reviewed journals, to his credit.