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dam-l LS: Protest In Front of Nandurbar Collectorate Intensified
Narmada Bachao Andolan
B-13, Shivam Flats, Ellora Park, Baroda.
Mumbai Contacts - Parvin Jahangir - Tel: 218 4779 Joe / Ravi - 557 4895
_____________________________________________________________________
PRESS NOTE -- 30.3.2000
PROTEST INFRONT OF NANDURBAR COLLECTORATE INTENSIFIED --
MEDHA PATKAR AND OTHERS RESORT TO INDEFINITE FAST - DHARNA CONTINUES
Mansingh, Vesta Dama and Medha Patkar had to resort to the extreme step of
going for fast even without water (Nirjal Upavas) today at Nandurbar for
their demands. The tribal villages who are on the banks of the river
Narmada have acute drinking water problem because of heavy silting. Since
the approach to the river is cut-off, they have to walk miles to fetch
drinking water and cattle being trapped and dying in this silt is a common
phenomenon since years. It is in this context that the people were
demanding wells and hand-pumps in their villages. The government never
went beyond promises.
Employment guarantee programme in the drought affected villages in the
Narmada and Tapi valley was another demand. The people were disturbed at
there being no response from the Collector to their applications for
providing employment since Nov. 99. "We want projects to be cleared and
sanctioned here and now", the people were demanding.
After the extreme step of Nirjal Upavas by three village representatives
and activists, the administration swung into action and started
negotiations and unconditionally agreed to the demands of drinking water
and that of employment. Medha Patkar and others withdrew the 10 hours of
Nirjal Upavas. The Collector passed a written order for digging wells in 24
villages and concerned officials and machinery have already left for the
villages for the same. But the fast continues (with only water) as the
other two demands are still to be met, namely regularisation of land and
showing people the land for rehabilitation, which they claimed, is
available. Authorities including the Collector are still in discussions
with the fasting people and others.
The indefinite dharna at Nandurbar was launched on the 27th March with the
above demands and till now the administration was dilly-dallying the
demands of the people and drove the people to the extreme step of Nirjal
Upawas before taking any concrete actions.
Since independence, no one took the trouble to regularize the forest land
in the tribal villages of Akrani, lived and cultivated by the tribals since
generations. Since this is not done, they are considered 'encroachers' and
are denied entitlement to the benefits of any rehabilitation package of
Sardar Sarovar Project and other schemes of the govt. for the tribals.
Cultivators prior to 1978 have right to get the title deeds and right over
the land, it is clear it is being suppressed only to reduce their
rehabilitation entitlements. People want justice in the issue of pending
land settlement in 73 tribal villages in Akrani. Supreme Court has also
directed the State govt. to settle the land claims and before that "they
shall not be dispossessed from the land which are in their possession". NBA
demands clear directions to start a proper survey in each village and a
reply to the memorandum submitted, on land settlement to be completed in
Akrani, by the Commissioner, Nasik. Earlier NBA has issued a legal notice
to the Collector, Nandurbar and Commissioner, Nasik for violating the
Supreme Court order.
Kesavbhai Vasave Dedlibai
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
6, Prasanna, Road No.11, Christian Colony,
Chembur, Mumbai - 400 071__________
Tel: (91) 22 - 557 4895 Fax: (91) 22 - 556 6265