OR helps the poor in a controversial irrigation project

In 1991, the World Bank was forced to appoint a team to conduct an independent review of the human and environmental impact of a mega-dam and water-distribution project on the river Narmada in India. The review team asked us to help assess the problems caused by the 75,000-km canal network being built for the project. We combined spreadsheet modeling with insights gained from a rapid rural appraisal to prepare both quantitative and qualitative findings and recommendations, many of which have been vindicated by later research and events. The review team used all our findings in a damning report, which led to the World Bank withdrawing from the project. Taking into account the review team's report, the Supreme Court of India has put a ban on the continuation of the project until it is satisfied that the project authorities have taken care of all the human problems of rehabilitation and resettlement.