The authorities in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh have agreed to suspend taking over any more land for the construction of the controversial Narmada Dam project, following late-night talks with environmental activists until the two sides meet again next week.

The Narmada Bachao Andalon or Save the Narmada Movement led by Medha Patkar, has accused the government of seizing land by force without any compensation.

The state chief minister, Digvijay Singh, said however an agreement with the neighbouring state of Gujurat to lower the proposed height of the dam should reduce the number of people facing displacement because of flooding.

But the environmental group says nearly thirty-thousand people still face losing their homes.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service