This story is from May 16, 2016

Patkar slams govt for using Narmada water in Ujjain Kumbh Mela

She told reporters that Rs 5,000 crore was spent on the spiritual gathering at Shipra, including Rs 85 crore only for pandal and other arrangements."The holy dip was not in Shipra waters, but Narmada waters.
Patkar slams govt for using Narmada water in Ujjain Kumbh Mela
Belagavi: Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar (in pic) on Sunday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for referring to Simhasth Kumbh Mela in Ujjain as declaration for world peace and sustainable development, saying that the holy dip at Shipra river was actually water drawn from Narmada.
She told reporters that Rs 5,000 crore was spent on the spiritual gathering at Shipra, including Rs 85 crore only for pandal and other arrangements.
"The holy dip was not in Shipra waters, but Narmada waters. About 172 crore litres of water was drawn from Sardar Sarovar Dam across Narmada river in Gujarat," she said.
She criticized the Centre for supplying a huge quantity of water to Coca Cola and Adani group companies, but "maintaining silence on 50,000 people who are still crying for water and rehabilitation".
Patkar attributed the recurring features of dry spells and droughts in the country to destruction of natural resources, improper utilization of surface water and its management, and climate change.
"Had the government evolved a proper and effective water policy, the people of Marathwada region would not have fall short of water as they have been surrounded by big dams," she said.
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