Voices of the dammed: discursive resistance amidst erasure in the Narmada Valley, India
2003; Elsevier BV; Volume: 22; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0962-6298(02)00095-1
ISSN1873-5096
Autores Tópico(s)Hydropower, Displacement, Environmental Impact
ResumoThis paper analyses the conflict surrounding the construction of mega-dams along the Narmada river valley in central India. In particular, the paper examines various repertoires of resistance employed by the Narmada Bachao Andolan (save the Narmada movement, NBA) the principal protagonist resisting the Narmada valley development project. Various spaces of economic, cultural, ecological, and political erasure are engendered by the construction of the Narmada dams, and the NBA articulates resistance, and engages in constructive development alternatives, in each of these spaces. The discursive articulations of resistance provide a crucial counterpoint to material expressions of struggle. Discursive resistance takes the form of academic analyses, peasant testimonials and slogans. Utilising Warren's concept of testimonios, the paper argues that movement identity articulates a unity that effaces internal difference, contradiction and ambiguity. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the role of academics in highlighting such ambiguities, in the context of collaboration with social movements.
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