VADGAM, GUJARAT (Sardar Sarovar Affected)
We were given land at Malu [resettlement site]. We faced many difficulties there. So, we returned to Vadgam. We lived there for 2 years. They did not let us do even that. They took us to Simalia, another site. There, we cannot collect fodder on our own, we have to go in a group. Sarkar gave us 5 acres of land. There is no fuel, mazdoori, wages and vegetables—we are not able to make ends meet. Sarkar says we have given you 5 acres of land, that is false… we have grown old working on land, how can we not figure out how much land has been given to us? We have not received full 5 acres that is certain…They removed us forcibly from our villages. We did not get the roads, electricity or drinking water that they had promised. No patta has been given, our sons have not got land. How can 16 family members survive on 5 acres of land? Or even less than that? If sarkar cannot provide land for 19 villages (of Gujarat) how can they give anything for the other oustees [of M.P. and Maharashtra] The sarkar is lying through its teeth…