Vikas Maitri
Voluntary Development Society in Jharkhand
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www.vikasmaitri.org |
website for rural and tribal development |
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Vikas Maitri |
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Voluntary Development Society in Jharkhand |
Mumbai Support Group NARMADA BACHAO ANDOLAN · C/o B-13 Shivam Flats, Ellora Park, Vadodara - 390023, Gujarat Telefax: 0265-2282232, baroda@narmada.org · 62, M.G Marg, Badwani, Madhya Pradesh 451551. Telefax: 07290-222464 · Maitri Niwas, Tembewadi, Dhadgaon, Dist. Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Ph: 02595-220620 21 April,2006. Pol-Khol yatra in the Narmada Valley: 25 to 27 April: From Indore to 'tribal and farmers' villages in Narmada Valley. After the 30 days sit-in and fast by the Narmada Bachao Andolan activists in the capital, a new chapter has been opened in respect of Sardar Sarovar Dam. The movement has raised the issue of the displacement and the environmental damage due to the dam. For the last 20 years, it has questioned all the illegal decisions by the Government through a strong mass movement. It has brought to light, the true story of the Narmada Valley. The decision to increase the height of the dam from 110.64 meters to 122 meters has proved to be the death sentence for the tribals, the farmers and people residing in the valley. This called for a strong protest which was joined by all from various people's movements all over the country, students, teachers, the sensitive among the artist community to the lay person on the street, they who have offered their help, participation and backing. This makes it clear that the darker side of development has come to the light in front of right thinking, sensitive a This can be asked in respect of all the issues in connection with Sardar Sarovar. During the protest in Delhi, various reports by the state as well as Central Governments, figures and affidavits, the experiences of the displaced and the agitators have come to the light in front of the country as well as the whole world. All the three Governments concerned have to submit their affidavits regarding applications submitted by 48 displaced families, to the Supreme Court within a week's time. The reactions of the displaced on the affidavits will be a heard in the court on the first of May. The court has already said that the Prime Minister is free to take any decision or intervene in the matter wherever he feels necessary. At the same time, the court has made it clear that if the rehabilitation of all the oustees upto the 122 meters is not done in letter and spirit of the Narmada Tribunal award, then the work of the dam can be stopped. The Narmada Movement has now declared a Pol-Khol Abhiyan (reveal the truth campaign). We will go on bringing to the fore, each and every aspect of the Sardar Sarovar story. The social as well as environmental losses, compensation as also the real side of the exaggerated and beautifully painted picture about the profits also has to be revealed. Those of our brothers and sisters who have been termed as outsiders while they are actually displaced in thousands have to be met in person. It has become necessary to reveal the real faces of all those who make baseless accusations on us of accepting foreign funds. We have to move in this direction on different fronts taking with us, the like-minded. One of the main programs in this direction will be the Pol-Khol Yatra: 25 to 27th April. You are cordially invited for this Yatra. All the friends, co-workers, youth, students, members of various people's movements, those displaced due to various projects, labourers, tribals, dalits, sensitive citizens, artists, journalists and media persons are welcome. We invite you to the valley. Verify the truth, find out and see for yourselves, the Government corruption and the atrocities, contempt of court as also the game in the name of democracy. You may reach Indore in the morning of 25th April. Please let us know the route and the time of your arrival. There will be a meeting at Indore between 10 a.m. and 12 noon and the 'Yatra' will proceed to the valley straight from there. During the three days, the Yatra will visit villages, settlements and see first hand, the Government's working style and also listen to the profit and loss story. There will be answers to each and every question raised on each aspect of the Narmada Movement, its working, its resources. Your presence is necessary for raising the issue in front of the Government. Come and see the region which is either already submerged or about to be submerged; the generations old culture and the picturesque surroundings. You may return on 27th night or 28th morning from Baroda, Indore or Khandwa. Your participation is utmost necessary now after your important participation and contribution on this occasion. There will be welcome in villages, overnight stay in the farmers' houses, visits to tribal villages on the banks of the river, tribal dances and travel through the boats in the river followed by a long march in Badwani and a torch rally. On one side are those administrators who are bent upon destruction in the valley and going ahead with the dam while on the other side are the lively villages and communities and the rich valley. This picture is incomplete without your presence. Your strong intervention is necessary this time to stop the destruction without resettlement. Please come and bring others along. Waiting for you, Mohanbhai Patidar, Swapna Kanera, Kamala Yadav, Medha Patkar, Ashish Mandloi, Omprakash Yadav, Hirdaram Bharud, Chandubhai, Kailash Awasthi Contact: Indore: Visarjan Ashram, Navlakha Chouraha, Indore. Ph.:Pramod Bagadi - 9827021000, Rakesh Diwan - 9826066153 S.P.S. - 0731-2401083 Badwani office: 07290-222464, Umesh, Ashish:9425480131/9425479854 Mohan Patidar: 9425087536 Delhi: 011-26680883/9818205234 Dhulia: Shyam Patil. 02562-246419 Pune: Suniti : 020- 24251404. Mumbai : Initiative; 022-24931241/ |