Arundhati Roy’s Critique of Big Projects: An Eco-critical Perspective

Abstract

The present article endeavors to analyze Arundhati Roy’s critique of big dams and projects. An attempt is made to bring home various dimensions and commitments that inform her critique of the big dams which cause more damage and devastation than serving the needs of the people at large. The primary focus is on Ms. Roy’s participation in the Narmada Bachao Andolan which is an Indian resistance movement that tries to prevent building of large dams, reservoirs and power plants. As the building of projects may lead to evacuation of villages and to lose immovable properties numerous environmentalists, humanists, activists and other personalities also have condemned the government for the decisions and implementations. Arundhati Roy is one among them who raises awareness of dangers of massive dams, of resulting forced relocation of people and of damage to environment. The present article is going to discuss the tireless and selfless service of Arundhati Roy and the NBA to tens of thousands of farmers, Adivasis and common people who are participating in the protest to oppose the aforementioned large structures constructed by the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA). In conclusion, the article also attempts to bring out the various aspects and convictions that informed Roy’s critique of big projects.