Though it failed in its attempt at stopping the building of Sardar Sarovar dam, the NBA movement succeeded in forcing everyone to think about the nature of development – whether it was in the interest of the poor or the rich and powerful. It succeeded in forcing everyone to rethink about the utility of large construction projects that interfered with nature on such a large scale. It forced governments to consider giving adequate and respectable compensation for such ‘development induced displacement’ of people

The NBA movement combines in itself many strands like the movement of indigenous people, movement against neo-liberal policies, struggle of farmers to hold on to their land as attempts are being made to take them over for dams, urbanisation, industries, mines and forests.