I first met him in 1996 in Jabalpur, when the acting CM Digvijay Singh had given the responsibility of designing projects based on natural resources for the Bargi dam affected people to the members of Save Narmada social group. He had come to give technical advice and help to the social organization working on the upliftment of the people displaced and affected by Bargi dam project. With his help we prepared a report on the ‘Analysis and Expectations’ based on the various meetings conducted with the Central Governments officials and handed over the same to them. The central government officers had only conducted meetings regarding the developmental plans for the project affected people, but had not started any work related to the same. Only the fishermen near the bargi dam had got a license for fishing. A social movement was announced in Bijasan. At that time Mr. Anand had said that he had no experience of such social movement and he would be there for all creative help required. In this way he used to be a part of the discussion and planning of these developmental programs for the Bargi Dam affected people. He submitted a micro analysis report of 26 villages to the Central Government. He also discussed various problems in the project execution with the officers. He was appointed as an advisor for the Narmada Valley Development Authority. He donated the honorarium given by the Authority to the social organization. With his help, we prepared a report on the situation of the affected people “The Human cost of Dam”, which is till date the only document available.
He used to complete all the work even the smallest task with precision and was very adjusting and friendly with everyone. This was his greatest quality. He did not demand anything for himself, He was content with the available resources. He was a student of IIT Kharagpur, a well- known Institute. However, he led a simple life. He was a very straight forward person and he took care of Kusum Tai, his wife in a very empathetic and caring manner. Once I had come to Pune for my eye treatment. That time I could meet the people affected by Dimbe Dam. Anand had wholeheartedly helped these tribals and they respected him a lot. He had helped the fishermen in this area to earn a living and realize their dream. He also could successfully execute the project of breeding decorative fishes. He trained the tribals in this business and helped them become self- sufficient and earn a living for themselves. He motivated various young people to undertake such social activities; Budhaji Damse is one of them.
He played a key role in studying various methods of conservation of forests followed by the Bega Tribal community in the Begachak region of M.P. along with NIEWCYD, Nagpur. This organization had undertaken a project of improving the soil quality; thereby assuring means of livelihood for the tribals in that area. This is the primary reason why we should conserve forests. Till date the Bega Tribal community still takes care of conservation and development of these forests. They had requested me to write about the Bargi Dam Struggle, which I have yet not been able to complete. Anand’s important contribution to the Bargi Dam struggle would always be in the hearts of the people.