In a letter to the Narmada Bachao Andolan activist, he said, "I would appeal to you not to undertake any course of action which could involve risk to your life or to the lives of your colleagues".

Vajpayee's letter was delivered to Patkar, held in protective custody at Dhule jail, by a joint secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).Referring to media reports that Patkar and her colleagues intended to offer Jal Samadhi in an attempt to focus attention on rehabilitation and resettlement issues relating Narmada dispute, he said, "No one can dispute that the displacement of people from their lands and their communities leads to tremendous upheaval in their lives".

So there was a need for great sensitivity in conceptualising and implementing appropriate rehabilitation schemes, which are primarily the responsibility of the concernedstates.

"While it is not easy to do this to the complete satisfaction of the affected people, we are trying to ensure the best possible rehabilitation package for them. I assure you that we will continue this process", Vajpayee said.