A Critique of 'Unravelling Bhakra'

The Bhakra-Nangal multipurpose project is among the earliest water resource development projects undertaken by Independent India. Though the main objectives were stated as irrigation and power generation, it has rendered several other incidental and indirect benefits, too. It has already bestowed immense benefits, far beyond the project expectations, to the region and Nation for the last five decades. In April 2005 the Manthan Adhyayan Kendra (MAK), headed by SripadDharmadhikary, published a book titled 'Unravelling Bhakra'. This is very highly critical of the project. This paper presents a critique of the MAK publication. It brings out that the MAK book is neither a fair nor complete evaluation of all aspects of the project. The comments made by MAK are not backed by requisite justifications.