Dantewada/ Raipur, June 22 -- Residents from 56 villages in Chhattisgarh gathered on Sunday in Hitalkudum village in Dantewada district for a meeting organised by the Bodhghat Sangharsh Samiti to oppose the proposed Bodhghat Multipurpose Project, citing fears of displacement.

Shiv Kumar Mandavi, president of the Bodhghat Sangharsh Samiti said, "The government is trying to uproot people in the name of development... The project will affect a large part of Bastar and displace thousands of people."

He said displacement would not only result in the loss of land and livelihoods but would also affect the cultural and religious identity of tribal communities.

"Our hills, forests and rivers are linked to our traditions, faith and way of life. ...