[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

dam-l LS: Action Alert on Mansi Vakal Dam, Rajasthan

>From: NAPM Delhi <napmdel@vsnl.com>
>Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 22:29:19 +0530
>
>Action Alert : UNDER POLICE PROTECTION DAM WORK IS ON - MANSI VAKAL
>(RAJASTHAN)
>
>Dear Friends,         22-6-2000

>Salaam!

>In the history of "development" has been added yet another instance of
>complete disregard for the interests and voice of the people as well as
>violations of their basic rights.

>This relates to the proposed Mansi Vakal dam in the Chandravas village
>in Jhadol Tehsil, Udaipur District, Rajasthan. Armed with the presence of
>thousands of police in spite of the determined opposition of the local
>people and various organisations, the Rajasthan government has started
>work on the dam.

>You are requested to show all possible support to the people and send
>faxes & letters to the concerned authorities asking them to immediately
>accept the demands of the people. But firstly the police force should be
>immediately withdrawn.

>In solidarity,
>Vimalbhai
>North Co-ordinator.
>National Alliance of Peoples Movements.

>Addresses of the authorities:
>· Mr. Ashok Gehlot
>  Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
>  Jaipur.

>· Mr. C.M. Meena
>  Comissioner of Udaipur,
>  Rajasthan.
>  Fax: 0294-523499

>· P.S.Mehra
>      District Collector,
>      Udaipur.
>      Fax:0294-410834.

>Please send support letters to:
>Chandrashwar Kisan Sangharsh Samiti.
>Gram Chandravas,
>Post Gorana,
>Tehsil Jhadol.
>District Udaipur,
>Rajasthan.
>
>Udaipur Contact:
>Jagran Jan Vikas Samiti.
>Bedla, Udaipur.
>Ph: 0294-441322 / 441527 / 522558
>
>Background of the issue with update.

>In 1991, at Chandravas village, the site of the proposed Mansi Vakal Dam,
>a survey(called the Hall's survey) was conducted to establish whether
>the area is suitable for dam building. However the government never
>released the findings of this study. Through certain sources it has
>been revealed that the study found the area unsuitable and was against
>the building of a dam. Now 10 years later the government has
>commissioned another study on the same site. The people of the area are
>opposing this move.

>They are demanding :
>· a fresh independent review because the data is 10 years old,
>· that the government first release the findings of the Hall's survey of
>1991,
>· that alternatives which do not require displacement of people should
>be explored,
>· a thorough assessment made of the local water requirements and a
>specific plan devised for meeting these needs,

>In December 1997 the government started constucting a road to transport
>machines required for boring. when people sought an explanation from the
>authorities they were fired upon and a number of people were injured.

>On 18th June a fact-finding team which included Ms. Bhawari Bai (Jagran
>Jan Vikas Samiti), Mr. Mannaram Dangi (Manavadhidar Vikas Manch), Mr.
>Kishore Sant (Umeshwar Vikas Mandal) visited the area. Important
>findings:
>1. Local people, institutions and elected representatives have no
>knowledge of the rehabilitation plan.
>2. People are being forced to sign on compensation papers.
>3. The police is threatening the people that if they do not sign on the
>compensation papers they will be arrested. And the Govt. will deploy the
>Rapid Action Force along with other police forces.
>4. People are terrorised and threatened by the authorities and the
>atmosphere of fear is apparent.
>Under these circumstances this team met the DM of Udaipur P.S Mehra and
>the Commisioner C.M. Meena and demanded that:
>1. Complete information about the rehabilitation package be provided
>immediately
>2. Police repression be stopped immediately
>3. Security be provided to those who are protesting against the
>installation of machines for survey.
>But the present situation is such that none of these demands have been
>considered. Instead
>· 2 units of RAF with machine guns (200 approx), Commandos, and Rajastan
>police have been deployed in the area in and around Chandravas village.
>· All routes towards Jhadol have been blocked. Today morning 2 buses of
>villagers and supporters were stopped. The people were arrested and
>released only in another area. It is an undeclared Section 144
>situation.