Narmada

Narmada, formerly Narbada, river, central India, rising in northern Madhya Pradesh State. It flows between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges in a generally south-western direction for about 1,287 km (800 mi), emptying into the Gulf of Khambhāt, an arm of the Arabian Sea, in the state of Gujarat. The river is regarded by Hindus as one of India's holiest. The river flows through some spectacular marble gorges near Jabalpur. There are various dams on the Narmada and more are planned. Controversy surrounds these projects, as campaigners claim there is more to consider than just the benefits of electricity and water for irrigation. Local people will be displaced as their villages are flooded and there will be a considerable environmental impact.