Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Narmada Boat Row: Kewat vs Kahar Clash
There is a big argument between two groups, Kewat and Kahar, in a place called Mandleshwar.
They are both fighting over who can operate boats on the Narmada River.
The Kewat people say it's their family tradition to run the boats.
The Kahar people say the law says they should be allowed to do it too.
They had a meeting to talk about it, but they couldn't agree.
The government is waiting to see what the court says before they make a decision.
The Kewat people are worried that if others start operating boats, it will affect their business.
The Kahar people want the government to give them licenses so they can also make a living.
The court is already looking at this problem, so the government can't do anything until the court makes a decision.
Kewat and Kahar communities are in conflict over boat operation rights on Narmada River.
Kewat community claims it as their traditional and ancestral occupation.
Kahar community argues it's their constitutional right to livelihood.
A meeting was held by Mandleshwar SDM, but no solution was reached.
A petition regarding boat operation by Kahar community is pending in High Court.
- Who
- Kewat and Kahar communities
- What
- Dispute over boat operation rights on Narmada River
- When
- Meeting held on Saturday
- Where
- Mandleshwar, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- Conflict between traditional rights and constitutional livelihood rights
- Location
- Mandleshwar, Madhya Pradesh
- Communities Involved
- Kewat and Kahar
- Issue
- Right to operate boats on Narmada River
- Meeting Held
- Mandleshwar SDM Purva Mandloi
- Pending Case
- High Court