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The Heavy Price That Tribals Paid for ‘Statue of Unity’

About 500 metres from the nearly Rs 3,000 crore ‘Statue of Unity’ in Narmada district, stand five huts. One of them is the abode of Ambaben Poonabhai, a 60-year-old woman who was once sarpanch of Limdi group gram panchayat of Limdi and Navagam villages.

In ruins stands remains of a home of a tribal family of 12, demolished a week back to widen the road to Statue of Unity. Location- Waghariya village, about 1 km from Statue of Unity

In ruins stands remains of a home of a tribal family of 12, demolished a week back to widen the road to Statue of Unity. Location- Waghariya village, about 1 km from Statue of Unity

The shop that was once by the road side was demolished to widen the road. The land was never formally acquired and demolished as it fell in the way. The owner rebuilt the shop and now fears that shop will submerge any-day when water rises in the weir that flows down as water is being released for inauguration.

The shop that was once by the road side was demolished to widen the road. The land was never formally acquired and demolished as it fell in the way. The owner rebuilt the shop and now fears that shop will submerge any-day when water rises in the weir that flows down as water is being released for inauguration.

Angry tribals tore apart posters in the Narmada district

Angry tribals tore apart posters in the Narmada district

New posters were put up with picture of Birsa Munda in center and picture of Modi in the corner.

New posters were put up with picture of Birsa Munda in center and picture of Modi in the corner.

Throat of PM slit in a poster in outskirts of Narmada district still stands

Throat of PM slit in a poster in outskirts of Narmada district still stands

Handwritten notice of bandh on October 31st all across Rajpipla market.

Handwritten notice of bandh on October 31st all across Rajpipla market.

Police deployed to protect posters in Narmada district after local tribals tore the posters

Police deployed to protect posters in Narmada district after local tribals tore the posters

The new road being built for inauguration and then for tourists is part of the project. Three villages have lost their land completely for widening of this road on the hill.

The new road being built for inauguration and then for tourists is part of the project. Three villages have lost their land completely for widening of this road on the hill.

The statue of Unity

The statue of Unity

This one hut stands, about 500 metres from the statue, while others around it have been demolished. This spot used to be a village once.

This one hut stands, about 500 metres from the statue, while others around it have been demolished. This spot used to be a village once.

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