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DAM-L LS: Satayagrah Update, July 2000 (fwd)
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subject: LS: Satayagrah Update, July 2000
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Satyagraha Update
July 2000
Once again the people in the Narmada valley have launched the
Satyagraha against the controversial Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) for
the right to life and safeguard their villages, land, forests and
river. They are challenging the unjust submergence and displacement
under the threat of the inevitability of the increased height of the
dam. True, the height of the dam stays at 88 meters, reached before
the monsoon of 1999. So stays the threat of the submergence and
efforts of displacement by hook or crook also continue. This year the
submergence would be more than that of the last year in case of the
normal monsoon.
---------------------------------------------------------
SATYAGRAHA 2000: A Battle for The Life and Rights
---------------------------------------------------------
The Satyagraha was inaugurated by Admiral Ramdas (former Chief of
Indian Navy) on July 15th, in the presence of nearly a thousand
men-women representatives from the far -off villages in the valley in
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat along with the
representatives from the Rehabilitation and Resettlement sites,
colony, canal and sanctuary affected of Gujarat. Many supporters from
different parts of the country thronged at the function held at both
Jalsindhi and Domkhedi. The atmosphere was vibrant with slogans and
songs.
Among the prominent guests were, anti-nuke activist Smt.Lalita
Ramdas, Sukhedu Bhattachaya, NAPM West Bengal, Mohan Kumar,
environmentalist from Kerala, activists and representatives from
Gosikurd project (near Nagpur), supporters from Bangalore, Andhra
Pradesh, Bihar, U.K., Canada, the Netherlands, Australia and others.
"The struggle in the valley too is a war but much different from the
war at Kargil. This is a war against injustice and it is bound to win
against all odds", declared Admiral Ramdas, while inaugurating the
Satyagraha.
Among the two symbolic actions were the "Tree of Resolve" at
Domkhedi, made by nailing the plates with village names on a huge
Mahua tree near the Satyagraha hut, symbolising their assertion of
right to stay where they have been living for generations. While in
Jalsindhi on the northern banks, people immersed the effigy of the
"Demon of the Dam" in the Narmada, after the ceremonial start of
Satyagraha. [see photos on www.narmada.org]
With the main theme of Satyagraha se Nyayagraha tak (from the
insistence on truth to insistence on justice), the monsoon-long
Satyagraha also emphasises the Nav Nirman (Constructive work) with
experiments on alternative energy sources, health, tribal medicines,
village planning, resource mapping, education etc.
While airing their views on the ongoing critical phase of the
struggle, senior main activists like Dedlibai from Domkhedi said
"It's our land, forest, river and life. Not only Governments but even
foreign companies are trying to snatch this away. We have taken the
challenge to save human life, protect human rights. Our Rehmal has
sacrificed his life for us. We too are ready for that". Baba Muvariya
of Jalsindhi said that they own their lands since generations and at
any cost they will not leave it. He further said "the unity of the
affected people in three states is the foundation of Andolan. It is
again and again proved that the Government doesn't have land to
rehabilitate the people".
Medha Patkar made it clear that the Satyagraha has to be continued
due to the still hanging sword of the submergence and the
displacement with unjust means. She alleged that the governments are
out to displace people by hook or crook, by submitting false
affidavits, by bringing in the submergence when the people have not
moved out.
The activists and villagers rebuked the Gujarat politicians for
playing up on the false hopes of SSP waters in the drought areas and
asserted that the local, decentralised water harvesting and
decentralised planning along with the sustainable utilisation are the
only real, long-term solution for the water problem in Kutch,
Saurashtra and other drought prone areas of Gujarat - not the Sardar
Sarovar. Ironically, some of the supporters from Gujarat could not
arrive for the inauguration of Satyagraha due to heavy rains in the
state, which was reeling under severe drought barely a fortnight ago.
------------------------
During The Satyagraha
------------------------
With the sowing over after a good rain, more and more people have
started coming to the Satyagraha, both from different tribal villages
as well as Nimad, the plains of Madhya Pradesh. At an average hundred
people are at the Satyagraha, and in major events this swell up.
Satyagrahis and supporters from outside the valley too are coming.
The day starts with a secular prayer meeting, followed by
introduction of new Satyagrahis and planning for the day. Then
follows Shramdaan (physical work) mainly afforestation or in any of
the reconstruction (Nav Nirman) activities. In the afternoon session,
group discussion is held on a specific subject, led by different
people, from different areas. Evening prayer is followed by another
session, which usually goes on until late, with good discussions and
sharing. Cultural programs, which reflect the issues of the people,
are held once in a while.
---------------
Major Events
---------------
a. Youth Camp
____________
Around 40 youths participated in the week long camp held at
Jalsindhi. The participant youths were from different parts of
Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bengal, Bombay and other
places. A few among the leaders were Mohan Kumar, Dr.Sugan Baranth,
senior Sarvodaya activist from Maharashtra, Dr. Ravi Kuchiminchi,
Scientist, apart from tribal / village representatives and activists.
The youths had exposure to the tribal culture and history,
alternative and sustainable ways of harnessing water and production
of power, tribal medicines and evolution, history and process of
people's movements across the boundaries.
b. March to Police camps:
____________________
On July 24th, Satyagrahis, including men and women from tribal
villages, marched to Domkhedi police camp. Earlier people welcomed
the announcement of the Maharashtra Government that they will not
erect police camps in the submerging villages this year. People made
it clear that they don't want the Government to "save"’ them from the
rising waters, and if they are genuine, let them take a truthful
stand in the ongoing case and save them, which never happened.
Police erected their camp in a few hours time, on the land of
Dediabhai of Domkhedi, with out asking his permission. The rally also
raised the issue of the consent of the village and the kind of work
they are planning to do during the monsoon. Contrary to previous
years, this year they made it clear that it is not "relief" camps’
but police camps, implying that no assistance will be given to the
people, during the submergence. The officers in charge on the camp,
including the Sub-Inspector, dodged all direct questions and didn't
make clear their intentions. Senior village representatives
forcefully opposed the pressure tactics of the Government to vacate
their houses during the submergence. People also raised the issue of
sending false reports about them and activists to the Government
which often reflect in their affidavits to the Court. It is learned
that the administration has asked the police to take action against
people, framing false charges like "attempt to demolish the police
camps".
Another rally was taken out to Jalsindhi police camp on July 27th.
The rally was "welcomed"’ by a fully drunken police official. The
officials at this camp too failed to answer any of the people's
questions about the rehabilitation plans of the Madhya Pradesh
Government, nor on the expected magnitude of submergence this year.
People demanded for an enquiry into the actions (and inactions) of
the officials at the camp. Eventually, the drunken policeman was
suspended on 29th. The camp was painted as "holiday resorts"’ and
"police bars"’ with charcoal.
c. Rally at Block Headquarters
________________________
On July 21st, a rally at Dhagaon, the block headquarters, was taken
out to raise the issues of corruption in ration shops, land rights
and money for wells. One may remember that last April, four main
activists had to observe fast even without water (Nirjal) to get
sanctioned the wells for the tribal villages, who face acute water
problem during summer. The wells were sanctioned due to the
courageous fight of the people but the money never reached the
villages. As a result of three hours of gherao of Tahsildar, the
required money reached the villages the next day! He promised that
all the corrupt keepers of ration shops will be suspended and stern
action will be taken against them. On land rights in Akrani tahsil,
the issues of leaving out many families in the survey, and the
Committee (appointed under the instructions of Supreme Court, in
1991) selecting the villages for survey adhocly were raised and the
Tahsildar could not give any satisfactory answers. The decision not
to survey the villages coming under submergence (not to give them
land rights and keep them as "encroachers" to deny all rehabilitation
benefits) was also questioned.
d. Issuing Notices:
_______________
Another major development in Domkhedi was issuing of notices to
certain people, including NBA, by the Maharashtra Government. The
notices dated July 23rd say that the water is rising dangerously and
they should move to safer places, because it can cause damage to
their houses. Through the notice, the Government is trying not to
take responsibility for the damage the submergence can cause. People
accepted the same "with protest". In reply to that, people responded
that they have a right to live in their lands since the Government
failed to show land for their rehabilitation, nor could they resettle
them. The notice say only about submergence of houses, "what about
the thousands of hectares of land?" they asked. The backwater level
mentioned in the notice is found wrong, thus underestimating the
effects of the submergence. A lot of families are not served the
notices (for eg. even in Domkhedi 58 families are left out). They
made it clear that only the Government will be responsible for the
loss of their houses, belongings, crops and even life.
e. Meetings in new villages
_____________________
Andolan has spread to new villages in Maharashtra, who are affected
by the catchment area treatment, compensatory afforestation and those
who face the wrath of the corrupt forest officials. The main issues
people discussed in these meetings are: land rights, afforestation by
the forest department on agricultural lands, the possibility of many
villages turning into islands (as it happened in Bargi dam),
non-declaration of villages as affected, who are getting affected by
the sanctuary, Hakka Pustika (record of people's rights over land,
water forest and forest produce), protection of forest, prohibition,
corruption etc. Representatives of these new villages are coming to
the Satyagraha and is actively participating in the actions.
---------------------------------------
Nav Nirman (Reconstruction)
---------------------------------
This year the Satyagraha is lit by electric bulbs!! And each
Satyagrahi is producing’ electricity! This was made possible by a few
friends from Bombay and Baroda, who designed a pedal generator for
the Narmada Valley. If pedalled for 1 hour in a day, 2 bulbs can burn
for 3 hours.
Friends from Kerala have reached the valley with micro hydel turbine.
This will be experimented in the valley in this monsoon to produce
electricity.
This year, for the first time, the students of our Jeevanshalas will
learn alphabets in their language. A new Aksharmala (set of
alphabets) is prepared for the children to start learning in their
mother tongue. Other activities such as health, farming water
management are slowly picking up. More inputs and man-power is
required to carry this work ahead. An attempt is made to develop the
valley with out destruction.
---------------------------------------
Book Release of 'The River and Life'
---------------------------------------
On 22 July hundreds gathered around the Mahua tree in Domkhedi
Satyagraha for the world premiere release of Sanjay Sangvai's - River
and Life: People's Struggle in the Narmada Valley which is a book
length history of the Andolan, its issues and processes, just
published by Earth Care Books. Dadlya Karbhari, Bava Mahariya, and
Nattu Singh (from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat)
respectively) released the book, while his mother Dr.Vijaya Sangvai
was also present. The function was followed by a reading session.
-----------------
Support actions
-----------------
1. In Pune, the students and organisations held an evening
demonstration on July 15th, near the statue of Senapati Bapat, in the
heart of city, with songs, placards and distributing pamphlets and
booklets about the Narmada struggle and people's demand. Senapati
Bapat was the leader of the first anti-dam struggle, against Mulsi
dam, in India in 1920s.
2. In Bangalore various groups including, environmental groups, trade
unions, democratic rights groups, women's groups, legal activist
groups, dalit groups and NGOs took out a rally to highlight the human
right violations and environmental destruction by Sardar Sarovar dam
and other similar projects in Karnataka. They include, NAPM -
Karnataka, Samvada, Vistar, Dalit Mahila Chaluvali, Vimochana,
Domestic Servants Union, National Law School, Raman Institute Of
Research, Students Christian Movement and others. The protest was
held under the banner of the Narmada Solidarity Forum, Bangalore.
-------------------------
GRA visit to Domkhedi
-------------------------
The Chairman of the Grievance Redressal Authority (GRA), Jst (Retd)
S.P.Kurdukar has orally informed (we are yet to get an official
intimation from his office) us that he will be visiting Domkhedi on
the 7th and 8th of August. The details are still awaited.
-------------
Water level
-------------
The water level at Jalsindhi and Domkhedi is 7 mts below the
Satyagraha huts. News of heavy rains upstream is being heard. A
likely rise of 4 mts of water is expected in the next 24 hours. Major
submergence is expected any time after the first week of August.
------------------
Programs Ahead
------------------
As you may already know, the Hiroshima day (Aug. 6th) will be
observed at Domkhedi as the 'Festival of Peace' with programs of the
Jeevanshala (tribal schools run by NBA) students and other children
from the valley.
Martyr's day (Aug. 9th) will be dedicated to the tribal martyr's, at
Jalsindhi. Representatives of different tribal organisations are
expected to come for this.
A workshop on the resource mapping will be held on Aug. 10th and 11th.
Independence Day (Aug. 15th) will be observed as a day to take
resolve towards a new freedom. Friends from many parts of the country
is expected to come for this, including senior Gandhian Siddharaj
Daddha, folk-lore singers Charul and Vinay and others.
It is suggested by a few friends to appeal to all our supporters and
friends to observe a Narmada Solidarity Week (from August 15th
onwards) with different programs on each day. The suggestions are
cycle rally, street corner meetings, skits, songs etc, solidarity
painting’ by artists, discussions, letter campaign etc. Mr.Vijayan
from Delhi will be informing more about this in the coming days.
The NBA is preparing for a Public Hearing on the Sardar Sarovar Dam
and Displacement on August 22nd, in the presence of the prominent
persons in India. We will get back to you with more information about
it.
---------------------
Appeal For Friends
---------------------
Andolan has always gathered strength from the active participation,
critique and suggestions from outside supporters and friends. At this
crucial phase, we appeal you again to tell us what you feel, how
should we go ahead the strategies, the programs.
We also appeal you to encourage your friends to generously donate to
NBA. As you know, we receive only funds from within the country, and
with the imminent submergence, and the indifference of the
Government, our responsibility to provide basic relief in case of
extensive damage is high. Please draw cheques / drafts in favour of
Narmada Bachao Andolan and send it to Ms. Parvin Jehangir, 261
Jupiter Apts., 41, New Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400 001.
Volunteers who can spend any time between one month and one year (and
even more!) are welcome. They can involve themselves with the
organisational work as well as the Nav Nirman of the valley.
-----------------
Supreme Court
-----------------
Meanwhile, it is learnt that no date has been fixed for the final
verdict on the public interest litigation filed against the SSP, by
the Andolan. The final hearing has been completed after about six
years, on May 9 this year. The suit filed by the Madhya Pradesh
Government, asking for a complete review of the project, is slated
for July 31st. The GRAs of three states have submitted their reports
to the Supreme Court, as per the directions. Copies of which have not
been given to us yet. The 3 state governments have filed their
affidavits on the status of rehabilitation. We are replying to those
by this month end.
We look forward for your comments, suggestions, ideas and above all,
your visit to Satyagraha.
In solidarity,
Joe Athialy Sukumar
For latest photographs on Satyagraha please visit:
www.narmada.org
http://aidindia.org/mainsite2/misc/satyagraha_2000.htm
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