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DAM-L LS: NBA PR- President Assures Timely Action on Narmada Dam (fwd)
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subject: LS: NBA PR- President Assures Timely Action on Narmada Dam
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NARMADA BACHAO ANDOLAN
B-13, Shivam Flats, Ellora Park, Baroda-7 (Gujarat
Telefax: 0265 - 382 232 E-mail - <mailto:baroda@narmada.org>baroda@narmada.org
62, M.G. Road, Badwani (M.P.) 451 551
Phone/Fax 07290-22464 <mailto:badwani@narmada.org>badwani@narmada.org
Press Note - 15.11.2000
PRESIDENT ASSURES TIMELY ACTION ON NARMADA DAM ISSUE
INDEPENDENT JURY OF IPT CALLS FOR A IMMEDIATE REVIEW OF THE SUPREME COURT
VERDICT:
DHARNA CONTINUES
Representatives of the Narmada Valley, who met the President today (
Wednesday, November 15) at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, were assured by him that
the matter of Narmada will be immediately referred to the Prime Minister
for his timely action. He also promised that he will take all necessary
legal advise to use his Constitutional powers to save the tribal area from
destruction.
A delegation of narmada Bachao Andolan, comprising of Deldibai, Mangalya,
Vaniya, Baliben, Kamala Yadav, Mansaram bhai, Mahesh Patel, Bablu Patwa,
Jordar Pawra, Chittarupa Palit and Medha Patkar met the President this
afternoon, representing tribal, Nimad and other regions of the Valley.
The President, along with Mrs. Usha Narayanan, welcomed the delegation
warmly and gave a patient hearing to the delegation. During the 45
minutes meeting, the tribals and peasants of Narmada valley have put forth
the whole case related to the Sardar Sarovar Project - its environmental
destruction and social devastation. The presentation was in the context
of the destruction done by big dams all over. The delegation urged the
President to use the special power him by the Constitution of India,
under Schedule V, which empowers him to save the tribal population from
any kind of developmental works. He assured the delegation that he will
study the issue in depth and will do whatever in his authority.
The President and Mrs. Usha Narayanan were invited by the delegation to the
Narmada Valley to see for themselves the reality. He was also told by the
delegation that a few thousands of people are in Delhi, awaiting for his
response.
Interim Findings of Public Hearing on Narmada
Meanwhile, the Interim Findings of the Public Hearing on Narmada, oganised
by the Indian People's Tribunal held on 14th November 2000 on the Parade
Ground, Delhi in front of 3000 people were released by Prof . U R.
Ananathamaurthy, Jst (Rtd) Tewatia (former Chief Justice, Hight Courts of
Calcutta and Chandigarh), Harubhai Mehta (Former Member of Parliament and
senior advocate, Gujarat government), Mohini Giri ( Former Chairperson,
National Commission for Women) on 15th November. Dr. Ashish Nandy (Social
psychologist, Former Director, CSDS) and Justice ( retd). Jaspal Singh (
former judge, Delhi High Court) were the other members on the Jury.
Detailed report will be released in soon.
The Jury noted that "At no stage the affected people were given a hearing
by the state authorities or the Narmada Tribunal." They also noted that
the government has only "Thought of getting mandatory clearances which
should have been done before start of the execution of construction work..
Benefits fall far short of projected benefits and costs had escalated to
many times of the initially estimated costs.
.. No effort is made to consider alternative schemes involving small money."
Among other observations, the interim conclusions the Jury has noted that :
"The project according to the evidence adduced, cannot and does not intend
to meet the need of people of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh..."
" The state governments, particularly the Gujarat government has persisted
with the project for reasons that have more to do with the vested interests
of the enthusiasts than with the needs of the people."
" The callous attitude with rehabilitation is an indication of the amoral
nature the project. And even better indicator is the way all descent against
the dam has been throttled. Even the small meetings of the protesters and
even discussions of the issues have been systematically disrupted and the
protesters physically assaulted by the hoodlums of the supporters of the
dam or the law enforcing agencies."
" The Narmada Project is the ultimate symbol of the pathology of
developmental process in India. It reveals the psychopathic dimensions of
our public life better than any other political or economic scam in last 50
years".
The Jury has also unanimously stated that "... People already affected
by the construction completed at 88 mts have not been fully rehabilitated
and resettled. R&R (rehabilitation and resettlement) is utterly neglected
by the authorities concerned."
" The permission to raise the height of the dam above 88 mts should not
have been given until all environmental and social impact surveys were
completed."
Not recognizing the people affected by the canal, colony, afforestation
and others as 'Project Affected Persons' was termed by the Jury as "unjust
discrimination".
On the recent Supreme Court judgement the jury has observed that the
verdict has to be "reviewed". "An appeal should be made to the President
of India for same", they concluded.
Dharna continues
The dharna, which has entered the 5th day, is progressing with much
vigor and enthusiasm. Hundreds of people from different walks of life are
extending their full support to the cause by visiting the dharna,
and carrying out different programs.
Joe Athialy
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