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DAM-L LS: Invitation to the Conclusion of Satyagraha (fwd)



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subject: LS: Invitation to the Conclusion of Satyagraha
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NARMADA BACHAO ANDOLAN
* B-13, Shivam Flats, Ellora Park, Baroda-390007
* 62, Gandhi Marg, Badwani, M.P.
(Telefax: 0265-382232 and 07290- 22464.
Email: baroda@narmada.org; medhapatkar@vsnl.com; sanjay@narmada.org)

SEPTEMBER 17, CONCLUSION OF NARMADA SATYAGRAHA
JALSINDHI AND DOMKHEDI

Dear Friends,

The Satyagraha in the Narmada valley against the unjust submergence 
and displacement has been made marked by the determination of the men 
and women from the villages in the Narmada valley. People, while 
confronting the dam and the government have taken up the issues of 
the Nav Nirman, constructive work for the new and sustainable life. 
Alongwith the discussions among the adivasis and peasants with the 
outside supporters who have been coming in the valley during the 
Satyagraha. It has also been a season marred by the overalarmist 
reactions by the Gujarat regarding the Saga of Narmada programme on 
August 24.

The Satyagraha-2000 was launched on July 15th, in the presence of 
Admiral ( Retd.) L.Ramdas and Lalitha Ramdas in Jalsindhi (Madhya 
Pradesh) and Domkhedi ( Maharashtra),  two affected villages on the 
opposite banks of Narmada. Despite the agricultural season and 
drought in the valley, the people came in hundreds from the villages 
in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.  Supporters from all 
parts of India and some from abroad came at different times. During 
the Satyagraha, the Narmada Bachao Andolan held Youth Camps and camp 
for constructive work, with the interactions between the valley 
people and outside comrades. On August 9, people celebrated Martyrs’ 
Day, particularly remembering the tribal martyrs like Khajiya Naik 
and others.  The Independence day, August 15, was marked by a novel 
experiment in Domkhedi. For the first time in 53 years of 
Independence, the people in Domkhedi had the electricity in their 
village - on their own, based on their own resource and efforts. A 
small stream near the village was utilised, with the micro-generator 
and expertise from Anilkumar and Madhusudhan from ‘People’s School of 
Energy’, Kerala, there was micro-hydel project of the village. 
Veteran Sarvodayi activist, Siddharaj Dhadda On August 24th, a 
special programme, ‘Saga of Narmada’ was arranged to appeal to the 
conscience of the nation regarding the struggle and issues in the 
Andolan. Number of prominent persons and other supporters from many 
parts of India arrived in Baroda to proceed for the programme in M.P. 
and Maharashtra; over 500 people from Nimad too were proceeding. 
However, in a fit of madness that always overpowers Gujarat 
government in such circumstances, hundreds of police were deployed 
and no one was allowed to proceed towards the Satyagraha place. These 
people, including the noted human rights activists Just(Retd.) 
Rajinder Sachar, Haroobhai Mehta, Girish Patel, Veteran Sarvodayi 
activist Jyotibhai Desai protested against this hamhanded attitude, 
but to no avail. However, the programme went on as decided with over 
700 people and supporters like noted author, Arundhati Roy and others 
making it on the time. All this showed the overalarmist and cowardly 
attitude of the Gujarat Government.  During the Satyagraha, the 
people took out rallies and sounded the three state governments in 
Bhopal ( Sept. 6), Nandurbar ( Sept. 8) and in Rajpipla ( August 28). 
It was a slap in the face of Gujarat government when over 3000 
tribals expressed their democratic rights and took out a spirited 
rally against the Gujarat government’s displacement and resettlement. 
They included the sanctuary affected people, the canal, colony 
affected and those who were duped into resettlement. The Mahartashtra 
people organised a People’s Tribunal to highlight the grievances of 
those who had been already displaced. Hundreds of ‘resettled’ people 
put forth their views and grievances.

The water in Narmada did not rise this time due to severe drought 
conditions in the valley. The crops were destroyed, many could not 
undertake sowing in the tribal regions. Paradoxically, there was no 
submergence of houses as that of previous year. The people have to 
continue the struggle for the next year also against the dam and for 
the survival, which has been adversely affected by the constant 
danger and uncertainty of displacement and submergence.

Narmada is still flowing. The dam had to stop where it is today - at 
88 metres. This being a drought year, water hasn’t risen as yet. But 
it may - in the coming month. The Supreme Court’s decision and beyond 
is still a long story ahead and we all need your support. Your 
commitment, effort to reach us, hear the people and raise the voice 
and issues towards a new path and paradigm of development are a 
valuable asset and continue to be a support for the movement that is 
on.

Satyagraha in the Narmada valley, that was launched on July 15 
against the unjust submergence and displacement, would continue till 
17th September.  There would be a concluding program pointing to the 
future path and strategy on September 17th in Jalsindhi and Domkhedi 
on this day.   We call unto you to be with us on this day, and even 
after that, for a more determined fight for the rights and life of 
people of this country.....

Be with us on September 17, at Satyagraha place.

In Solidarity,

Kewalsingh Vasave,	Pravinkumar, 		Rukminikaki,	Medha Patkar,
Gitanjali Chavan,	Baba Muhariya,	Mohan Patidar

NB: Contact; NBA, Baroda and Badwani offices
OR at
Mumbai - Pervin Jehangir - Ph.011- 2184779
Delhi - Vijayan/ Prakash/Ashok - Delhi Forum Ph. 022-6426783
Pune - Suniti (020- 433 2804), Sadhana/Naresh (020- 5656763), Sanjay 
(020-545 0870)

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