Mulshi Satyagraha: India's Forgotten Anti-Dam Struggle

Unearth the forgotten treasure of Mulshi Satyagraha: India's historic anti-dam struggle.  This is a journey of resilience, injustice, and the fight for the truth. These are untold stories of heroes of a century-old battle against oppression. It's time to remember and honour their legacy.

Mulshi Satyagraha; Source: esakal

Once upon a time, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Maharashtra's Mulshi taluka, a heroic battle unfolded. It was a fight against power, oppression, and the loss of homes and livelihoods. This incredible tale, known as the Mulshi Satyagraha, celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a milestone in India's history of resistance.

In the early 1920s, the Mulshi dam project loomed over the region like a colossal threat. Its purpose was to bring electricity to Mumbai, but its path was paved by the displacement of fifty-two villages and the shattered dreams of countless families. Led by the indomitable Pandurang Mahadev (Senapati) Bapat and V.M. Bhuskute, the Mulshi Satyagraha became a beacon of hope for the oppressed.

What made this struggle truly remarkable was the active participation of women. They fearlessly joined the movement, enduring arrests, and imprisonment alongside their male counterparts. Their courage and resilience echoed through the diaries of Mahadevbhai Desai, a trusted aide of the revered Mahatma Gandhi, who himself experienced the confines of Pune's Yerawada prison alongside the dam oustees.

However, the story did not end with their valiant efforts. Even today, the families affected by the dam face unrelenting challenges. The "Tata lands," as they call them, where the oustees were relocated, lack the sense of belonging that once flourished in their ancestral villages.

With no ownership rights, the oustee families live at the mercy of the Tata company. The younger generations have been forced to seek opportunities elsewhere, leaving behind only the elderly couples reminiscing about the days when their villages thrived with the laughter of youth. Their dreams of a brighter future are shattered, and they yearn for the chance to reclaim their heritage.

Yet, hope flickers in the hearts of the youth who dream of returning to their ancestral villages. They envision a sustainable future, one where reservoir fishing and eco-tourism could flourish. The reservoir teems with potential, offering opportunities for employment and rejuvenation. Eco-friendly tourism, harmonious with the local way of life, could pave the way for prosperity.

But the path to redemption remains strewn with obstacles. The wall that encloses the reservoir disrupts the natural flow of life, affecting domestic animals and wildlife alike. While some gaps were created to allow wildlife movement, these inadvertently enabled hunters to trap the animals. The construction of this wall, still underway, demands a thorough environmental impact assessment, particularly considering the area's potential as an eco-sensitive zone.

Compounding the woes, the ageing Mulshi dam struggles under the weight of time. Its weakened state has unleashed a cascade of problems, including the erosion of land downstream. Yet, efforts to address these issues are met with resistance, with the displaced families fighting for their rights against a seemingly impenetrable fortress.

Meanwhile, beyond the submerged villages, different voices echo. The large landowners and money lenders, displaced by the dam's construction, were compensated generously, leaving the oustee families grappling with a sense of injustice. The Tata company, responsible for the dam, attempts to alleviate some of the hardship by employing locals for minor tasks. Yet, the question lingers: Why does Tata own what should belong to the people?

Adding salt to their wounds, the history of this anti-dam struggle has been appropriated by the very company that crushed their resistance. The commemorative plaque honouring Senapati Bapat bears no mention of his leadership in the Mulshi Satyagraha. Even the school, named after him, hangs his portrait side-by-side with that of Jamshedji Tata, the very head of the company responsible for their suffering.

As the centenary of the Mulshi Satyagraha dawns upon us, it is time for justice and recognition. The oustee families deserve to be partners and co-owners of the Mulshi dam and the Tata power project. At the very least, the government should lend a listening ear to their grievances. The next generation of those affected yearns to break the silence and share their stories. It is a plea for understanding, empathy, and a chance to reclaim their heritage.

In the tale of Mulshi Satyagraha, we witness the timeless struggle of ordinary people against overwhelming odds. It serves as a reminder that history should not be forgotten, and the voices of the oppressed must be heard. For in their stories lie the essence of a nation's fight for justice and the pursuit of truth.

The Mulshi Satyagraha may have been eclipsed by time, but its spirit endures, inspiring generations to stand up against injustice. Let us celebrate this historic milestone by standing beside the oustee families, extending a hand of solidarity, and ensuring that their tale is etched forever in the annals of India's rich heritage.