How do people in Indian villages benefit by preparing presentations to an international body like WCD?
First, the work that goes into this preparation will go on far beyond the 2 year period of WCD. Second, WCD is a unique experiment in conflict resolution and attempts to bring together all sides of the debate on dams and water resources. Its 12 members include CEOs of a dam companies, national water resource ministers, an environmentalist, a leader of a development organisation, and several others. (See WCD site for full info) Since development in India is often a global issue, this commission is an opportunity to make known at the policy making level the reality in Indian villages on matters of concern to the commission. In this sense it should be viewed as not something intended merely to benefit the villagers, but a way to facilitate villagers participation in civil society and its decision making, which is the responsibility all of us share.
