Nationwide support to NBA's Indefinite protest fast against atrocities of Madhya Pradesh government

Nationwide support to NBA's Indefinite protest fast against atrocities of Madhya Pradesh government

Medha Patkar slams M.P. Govt: Charges contempt of Court

Thousands of displaced gathered today as well in Khandwa to lend solidarity and support to the jailed activists of Narmada Bachao Andolan and to condemn the malicious and brazen attempts of the Government of Madhya Pradesh to scuttle their lawful attempts to enforce the directives of the High Court. The displaced of Maheshwar, Upper Veda, Omkareshwar and Indira Sagar dams were joined by representatives of various people’s organizations from within and outside the state.

Even as the protest fast of activists Chittaroopa Palit and Ramkuwar Rawat inside the jail continued undaunted on the second day, the Government seemed to be investing all its energies and resources in hounding the activists, instead of respecting the High Court’s orders and speedily rehabilitating the displaced.

The NBA office was again searched today and shockingly, the police officials (instead of electricity officials!!!) slapped an additional bill of Rs. 15,149/- on the Andolan for electricity charges, terming it a ‘commercial establishment’, even though it is well-known that NBA is a people’s organization, working for the realization of the constitutional and human rights of the displaced. It is clear that the office is being targeted. While it was told that activist Alok Agrawal was being taken for interrogation; he was detained all through the night and was then framed in old cases. NBA is contemplating legal action against such annoying tactics of the State.

Citizens groups and eminent persons from across the country have extended support to the ongoing ‘sangharsh’ in the valley. Major Genl. (Retd). Sudhir Vombatkere wrote to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, terming the arrests as repulsive to democratic resistance and demanded urgent release of the activists and justice to the displaced. Veteran Gandhian ideologue Raha Bhatt and Vasant Pandey of Uttarakhand Nadi Bachao Abhiyan, in a separate letter to the CM, demanded him re-establish the rule of law in the state. Prof. Kamal Mitra Chenoy,of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi also wrote to the District Collector and sought the release of the illegally detained NBA activists who are genuinely demanding for court-ordered rehabilitation.

Yesterday, activists Yogesh Diwam, Azam Khan, Sarika Sinha and others of Jan Pehal met the Chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission, Justice (Retd) Shri D.P. Dharmadhikary, in person and expressed serious concern on the erosion of democratic space in the state. The Chairperson later issued notices to the District Collector and Superintendent of Police and demanded a Report on the incident within 3 days.

The Government also drew flak from citizen’s groups in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Badwani and Harda where protetsts are taking place. The Indore Solidarity Group and People’s Union or Democratic Rights as well expressed vocal condemnation of the arrests in seperate releases and expressed solidarity with the Andolan. An online petition has also been circulated and more than 500 sensitive citizens and organizations have already expressed their support. The Asian Human Rights Commission also came down heavily upon the State Government and has issued an action alert for global support.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Khandwa, today evening, Medha Patkar along with Rajkumar Sinha of Bagri Dam Displaced and Affected Organiation and others stated that the actions of the State Government tantamount to contempt of Court, which it will have to answer. She said that the administration is tarnishing its own image by leveling false allegations against the activists.

Yesterday, a delegation along with Medha Patkar met the Collector Mr. Singh and pressed for the immediate and unconditional release of the activists and enforcement of the Court’s directives. He was also warned that any inaction from the administration will not be brooked anymore and all the displaced are even ready for a ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’, if their demands are not met.

Interestingly, the Staff Union at the Collector’s office also submitted a letter of solidarity with the displaced. Respecting their gesture, Medha Patkar conveyed that the struggle was not against the staff, but against the thick-skinned administration that has such disrespect towards the Constitution and the Court.

The struggle continues with some other activists joining in the fast today.

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Nationwide support to NBA's Indefinite protest fast against atrocities of Madhya Pradesh government

Nationwide support to NBA's Indefinite protest fast against atrocities of Madhya Pradesh government

Medha Patkar slams M.P. Govt: Charges contempt of Court

Thousands of displaced gathered today as well in Khandwa to lend solidarity and support to the jailed activists of Narmada Bachao Andolan and to condemn the malicious and brazen attempts of the Government of Madhya Pradesh to scuttle their lawful attempts to enforce the directives of the High Court. The displaced of Maheshwar, Upper Veda, Omkareshwar and Indira Sagar dams were joined by representatives of various people’s organizations from within and outside the state.

Even as the protest fast of activists Chittaroopa Palit and Ramkuwar Rawat inside the jail continued undaunted on the second day, the Government seemed to be investing all its energies and resources in hounding the activists, instead of respecting the High Court’s orders and speedily rehabilitating the displaced.

The NBA office was again searched today and shockingly, the police officials (instead of electricity officials!!!) slapped an additional bill of Rs. 15,149/- on the Andolan for electricity charges, terming it a ‘commercial establishment’, even though it is well-known that NBA is a people’s organization, working for the realization of the constitutional and human rights of the displaced. It is clear that the office is being targeted. While it was told that activist Alok Agrawal was being taken for interrogation; he was detained all through the night and was then framed in old cases. NBA is contemplating legal action against such annoying tactics of the State.

Citizens groups and eminent persons from across the country have extended support to the ongoing ‘sangharsh’ in the valley. Major Genl. (Retd). Sudhir Vombatkere wrote to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, terming the arrests as repulsive to democratic resistance and demanded urgent release of the activists and justice to the displaced. Veteran Gandhian ideologue Raha Bhatt and Vasant Pandey of Uttarakhand Nadi Bachao Abhiyan, in a separate letter to the CM, demanded him re-establish the rule of law in the state. Prof. Kamal Mitra Chenoy,of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi also wrote to the District Collector and sought the release of the illegally detained NBA activists who are genuinely demanding for court-ordered rehabilitation.

Yesterday, activists Yogesh Diwam, Azam Khan, Sarika Sinha and others of Jan Pehal met the Chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission, Justice (Retd) Shri D.P. Dharmadhikary, in person and expressed serious concern on the erosion of democratic space in the state. The Chairperson later issued notices to the District Collector and Superintendent of Police and demanded a Report on the incident within 3 days.

The Government also drew flak from citizen’s groups in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Badwani and Harda where protetsts are taking place. The Indore Solidarity Group and People’s Union or Democratic Rights as well expressed vocal condemnation of the arrests in seperate releases and expressed solidarity with the Andolan. An online petition has also been circulated and more than 500 sensitive citizens and organizations have already expressed their support. The Asian Human Rights Commission also came down heavily upon the State Government and has issued an action alert for global support.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Khandwa, today evening, Medha Patkar along with Rajkumar Sinha of Bagri Dam Displaced and Affected Organiation and others stated that the actions of the State Government tantamount to contempt of Court, which it will have to answer. She said that the administration is tarnishing its own image by leveling false allegations against the activists.

Yesterday, a delegation along with Medha Patkar met the Collector Mr. Singh and pressed for the immediate and unconditional release of the activists and enforcement of the Court’s directives. He was also warned that any inaction from the administration will not be brooked anymore and all the displaced are even ready for a ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’, if their demands are not met.

Interestingly, the Staff Union at the Collector’s office also submitted a letter of solidarity with the displaced. Respecting their gesture, Medha Patkar conveyed that the struggle was not against the staff, but against the thick-skinned administration that has such disrespect towards the Constitution and the Court.

The struggle continues with some other activists joining in the fast today.

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Lathi charge, arrests and office-seizure of NBA condemned

Lathi charge, arrests and office-seizure of NBA condemned

NBA condemns as reprehensible the lathi charge, illegal arrests and seizure of office of long-standing peaceful and lawful mass people’s struggle in the Narmada Valley in Khandwa

Narmada Bachao Andolan severely condemns the unjust and unlawful treatment meted out by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to the displaced people of Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar and other dams and the activists working with them to realize their right to lawful rehabilitation. According to information received, activists Alok Agrawal, Kailashbhai, Kalubhai and some other villagers were unlawfully arrested today afternoon and the NBA office in Khandwa was forcefully seized and sealed by the police, without any prior intimation. The whole process of arrest and seizure, we are informed, was illegal, not following law and procedure. This only re-inforces our assertion of the total absence of rule of law in the state.

It may be noted that only yesterday, after a mass rally of thousands of displaced farmers on the 28th, Chittaroopa Palit, Ramkuwar, Kamla Yadav and 18 other activists who were staging a dharna at the Khandwa Collctorate were brutally lathi charged and arrested. The only crime they have committed is to seek enforcement of the directives of the Hon’ble High Court of Jabalpur to rehabilitate the displaced as per law and policy. All of them have been charged under various provisions of criminal law, including non-bailable offences.

The saga of development induced displacement due to the giant dams pushed by the Narmada Valley Development Authority, NHDC and Government of M. P, while displacing thousands of farmers, adivasis, fish workers, labourers in each dam, without complying with the basic environmental conditionalities is now well-known and condemned even by the judiciary. But it is unfortunate that the Government metes out a ‘terrorist-type’ treatment to the displaced and activists who are asserting basic established constitutional, legal and human rights and are challenging the state atrocity, discrimination and injustice in the Court and in the field.

We strongly object to NBA’s office being taken into custody, particularly the files of the people, all of which is nothing but an assault on the basic constitutional right to freedom of association and the freedom of speech and expression. The behavior of the State is nothing short of contempt of court and interference in count-administered justice to the displaced.

Today, not just in Madhya Pradesh, but all through the country, even as the Government trumpets of ‘combating the menace of naxalism’, it is only increasingly curbing and curtailing non-violent people’s struggles, which we feel would prove counter-productive and the anger and struggle of the displaced and marginalized, far from lessening, will only intensify. We warn the
Government to behave as per the law and Constitution and unconditionally and immediately release al the arrested activists and displaced persons, withdraw all false cases foisted against them and restitute their office.

We urge you to write to the National and State Human Rights Commission to take legal against those responsible for these violations and also to the Chief Minister calling upon him and his administration to respect law and people’s rights.

Published in:
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Wikio News, UK
Elites TV News, USA
The South Asian, Sri Lanka
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Lathi charge, arrests and office-seizure of NBA condemned

Lathi charge, arrests and office-seizure of NBA condemned

NBA condemns as reprehensible the lathi charge, illegal arrests and seizure of office of long-standing peaceful and lawful mass people’s struggle in the Narmada Valley in Khandwa

Narmada Bachao Andolan severely condemns the unjust and unlawful treatment meted out by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to the displaced people of Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar and other dams and the activists working with them to realize their right to lawful rehabilitation. According to information received, activists Alok Agrawal, Kailashbhai, Kalubhai and some other villagers were unlawfully arrested today afternoon and the NBA office in Khandwa was forcefully seized and sealed by the police, without any prior intimation. The whole process of arrest and seizure, we are informed, was illegal, not following law and procedure. This only re-inforces our assertion of the total absence of rule of law in the state.

It may be noted that only yesterday, after a mass rally of thousands of displaced farmers on the 28th, Chittaroopa Palit, Ramkuwar, Kamla Yadav and 18 other activists who were staging a dharna at the Khandwa Collctorate were brutally lathi charged and arrested. The only crime they have committed is to seek enforcement of the directives of the Hon’ble High Court of Jabalpur to rehabilitate the displaced as per law and policy. All of them have been charged under various provisions of criminal law, including non-bailable offences.

The saga of development induced displacement due to the giant dams pushed by the Narmada Valley Development Authority, NHDC and Government of M. P, while displacing thousands of farmers, adivasis, fish workers, labourers in each dam, without complying with the basic environmental conditionalities is now well-known and condemned even by the judiciary. But it is unfortunate that the Government metes out a ‘terrorist-type’ treatment to the displaced and activists who are asserting basic established constitutional, legal and human rights and are challenging the state atrocity, discrimination and injustice in the Court and in the field.

We strongly object to NBA’s office being taken into custody, particularly the files of the people, all of which is nothing but an assault on the basic constitutional right to freedom of association and the freedom of speech and expression. The behavior of the State is nothing short of contempt of court and interference in count-administered justice to the displaced.

Today, not just in Madhya Pradesh, but all through the country, even as the Government trumpets of ‘combating the menace of naxalism’, it is only increasingly curbing and curtailing non-violent people’s struggles, which we feel would prove counter-productive and the anger and struggle of the displaced and marginalized, far from lessening, will only intensify. We warn the
Government to behave as per the law and Constitution and unconditionally and immediately release al the arrested activists and displaced persons, withdraw all false cases foisted against them and restitute their office.

We urge you to write to the National and State Human Rights Commission to take legal against those responsible for these violations and also to the Chief Minister calling upon him and his administration to respect law and people’s rights.

Published in:
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Wikio News, UK
Elites TV News, USA
The South Asian, Sri Lanka
Twitter.com
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"US should be liberal in transferring technology for clean energy": Dr Farooq Abdullah

"US should be liberal in transferring technology for clean energy": Dr Farooq Abdullah
Alka Pande

The new and renewable energy minister of India - Dr Farooq Abdullah - has said that the developed nations, especially the US, should have liberal policies for transfer of technologies for clean energy production in poor and developing nations, like India.

Advocating use of clean and renewable energy on mass scale to fight the challenges of climate change, the minister said the Indian manufacturers making solar panels, are exporting 85 percent of their products to the west because they are too highly priced for the consumption in the Indian market.

"The only way we can deal with the deteriorating climate, is by shifting our focus to alternative energy resources like sun and wind, which the country has in abundance and is available free of cost. But the challenge before the nation, is to make the alternative energy cost effective," he said.

The minister was speaking at a five-day environment and wildlife film festival which was inaugurated in the national capital Delhi, on Tuesday. The festival being organised by CMS (Centre for Media Studies) Vatavaran, will screen over 200 documentaries in the next four days. These film are made by national and international environment and wildlife lovers – who have raised issues relating to wildlife and environment.

Asserting on potential of natural energy resources in meeting the challenges of deteriorating environment, Abdullah said the solar mission was a challenge before the country. ``It has to have the viability for industrialists so that they can make money only then they will invest in it’’, he rued adding that ``after extensive investment in natural energies India would no more need to be subservient to countries that were supplying it gas and coal’’.

The minister said the ministry gives as high as 90 percent financial help to states for its schemes based on renewable energy resources, ``still, no state is showing interest in these schemes. On the contrary, the Chief Ministers of all the states are rushing for coal-based power station’’. The reason, he stated for this, is that coal based power plants are easy to set up.

"On the other hand everyone talks about clean energy. How can coal produce clean energy’?" the minister argued.

The renewable energy or natural energy resources can be helpful in rural electrification programmes and also for commercial and industrial usage. According to Farooq Abdullah, "In Ladakh, the army alone, uses diesel worth Rs 1,200 crore (Rs120 million) in a year. With the use of solar power, Rs 400 crore (Rs 40 million) could be saved, annually."

Some of the schemes and areas where Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is extending help to States and private investors:

Industrial and commercial applications:
- Biomass (non-bagasse) based co-generation and `waste to energy’ projects for rural electrification.
- Solar powered water heating system projects.
- Solar air heating / steam generation systems - for community cooking and for institutions etc
- Solar lights - for streets, hoardings etc.
- Akshay Urja Shops – for sale and after sale service of solar powered products.

Grid Interactive / off grid renewable power:
- Wind Power:
- Bio-power:
- Small Hydro Power: upto 25 MW capacity
- Solar Power

Alka Pande
(The author is a senior Journalist)

Published in:
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Elites TV News, USA
Little about
Delhi Energy, India
World News Network, USA
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"US should be liberal in transferring technology for clean energy": Dr Farooq Abdullah

"US should be liberal in transferring technology for clean energy": Dr Farooq Abdullah
Alka Pande

The new and renewable energy minister of India - Dr Farooq Abdullah - has said that the developed nations, especially the US, should have liberal policies for transfer of technologies for clean energy production in poor and developing nations, like India.

Advocating use of clean and renewable energy on mass scale to fight the challenges of climate change, the minister said the Indian manufacturers making solar panels, are exporting 85 percent of their products to the west because they are too highly priced for the consumption in the Indian market.

"The only way we can deal with the deteriorating climate, is by shifting our focus to alternative energy resources like sun and wind, which the country has in abundance and is available free of cost. But the challenge before the nation, is to make the alternative energy cost effective," he said.

The minister was speaking at a five-day environment and wildlife film festival which was inaugurated in the national capital Delhi, on Tuesday. The festival being organised by CMS (Centre for Media Studies) Vatavaran, will screen over 200 documentaries in the next four days. These film are made by national and international environment and wildlife lovers – who have raised issues relating to wildlife and environment.

Asserting on potential of natural energy resources in meeting the challenges of deteriorating environment, Abdullah said the solar mission was a challenge before the country. ``It has to have the viability for industrialists so that they can make money only then they will invest in it’’, he rued adding that ``after extensive investment in natural energies India would no more need to be subservient to countries that were supplying it gas and coal’’.

The minister said the ministry gives as high as 90 percent financial help to states for its schemes based on renewable energy resources, ``still, no state is showing interest in these schemes. On the contrary, the Chief Ministers of all the states are rushing for coal-based power station’’. The reason, he stated for this, is that coal based power plants are easy to set up.

"On the other hand everyone talks about clean energy. How can coal produce clean energy’?" the minister argued.

The renewable energy or natural energy resources can be helpful in rural electrification programmes and also for commercial and industrial usage. According to Farooq Abdullah, "In Ladakh, the army alone, uses diesel worth Rs 1,200 crore (Rs120 million) in a year. With the use of solar power, Rs 400 crore (Rs 40 million) could be saved, annually."

Some of the schemes and areas where Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is extending help to States and private investors:

Industrial and commercial applications:
- Biomass (non-bagasse) based co-generation and `waste to energy’ projects for rural electrification.
- Solar powered water heating system projects.
- Solar air heating / steam generation systems - for community cooking and for institutions etc
- Solar lights - for streets, hoardings etc.
- Akshay Urja Shops – for sale and after sale service of solar powered products.

Grid Interactive / off grid renewable power:
- Wind Power:
- Bio-power:
- Small Hydro Power: upto 25 MW capacity
- Solar Power

Alka Pande
(The author is a senior Journalist)

Published in:
Modern Ghana News, Accra, Ghana
Elites TV News, USA
Little about
Delhi Energy, India
World News Network, USA
Bihar and Jharkhand News (BJNS)

Negotiating Climate change - a filmi way

Negotiating Climate change - a filmi way
Alka pande

New Delhi: The timing for the screening of an environment documentary - 'Negotiating Justice' - could not have been more appropriate. The film, which talks about India's negotiating position in crucial Copenhagen meet, has been nominated for Fifth CMS Vatavaran Wildlife and Environment Award - popular as Indian Green Oscar.

The award festival ready to start in the national capital Delhi from October 27 will see the presence of eminent personalities like Indian minister for new and renewable energies Farooq Abdullah, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit, Netherlands ambassador Bob Hinesh, group general manager and country head of HSBC bank Naina Lal Kidwai, social activist Anna Hazare and noted Indian film maker Mahesh Bhatt.

The screening of the film coincides with national conference on climate change, which the country is hosting in New Delhi these days. During the conference, the UN climate chief Yvo de Boer strongly advocated "significant financial support by the developed countries to help poor nations comply with the emission targets''. Boer stressed, "any agreement at Copenhagen would need to include ambitious emission cuts for industrialised countries, limiting emission growth from developing nations and enough financial support to help poor nations comply with the targets." His message came with a warning - "if any of these inter-related issues failed to work out, the Copenhagen Summit would be a futile exercise."

Weeks ahead of December 2009, when the world meets in Copenhagen to fix a new climate agreement, the film 'Negotiating Justice' explains India's negotiating position on climate change. The film takes the viewers through a series of initiatives that India has taken voluntarily, to work towards a clean and energy-efficient economy. It reiterates that India will continue to grow even as it fights climate change.

The film raises the climate change issue in the same pitch as of Boers. It's director Rishu Nigam, who is one of the 10 women directors, whose films have been nominated for the current CMS Vatavaran Award, feels the earth's atmosphere belongs equally to all human beings, irrespective which part of it they live in. She says the dialogue on climate change is on but there are several misinformation relating to issue. "The film clears those misinformation" says Rishu.

"The film reminds us of this universal truth that was endorsed by all nations of the world in the summer of 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio. Today, several rich nations of the world are blatantly denying this reality. Despite their own remarkable legacy in polluting the planet, they demand the developing nations to cut down their greenhouse gas emissions," rues Rishu, who works In the film division of TERI and specialises in making films on environment and development issues.

This year 12 films by women directors have reached the nomination stage including the one directed by Rishu. Incidentally all these women are from the national capital. Through their films these environment lovers have raised issues like vanishing water reservoirs, disappearing lakes in and round Delhi, shortage of water, or disappearing wildlife and many more such issues.

Including Rishu's film Negotiating Justice, there are 12 films by women directors, which have reached the nomination stage for the Indian Green Oscar. Incidentally all these women are from the national capital. Through their films these environment lovers have raised issues like vanishing water reservoirs, disappearing lakes in and round Delhi, shortage of water, or disappearing wildlife and many more such issues.

Some of them have focused on intervention/success stories such as Nutan Manmohan's Brown Power. The film narrates the story of a small town - Haebowl - in the state of Punjab. Located between Satluj river and Buddha Nala - at one time it was famous for its beautiful landscape, its large milk dairies, its superior quality of milk products and its hard working people. But over the years - as more and more dairies opened up - and number of livestock began to exceed number of people - Haebowl became infamous for its foul smell and large dumps of cow dung scattered all over the town. Possibility of change emerged when Punjab Energy Development Board set up a demonstration plant in which high rate of biomethanation converted the waste into electricity - which was fed into the main grid and the by product was sold as organic manure to local farmers. "In one bold stroke - a waste product became precious resource, many new jobs were created, a town was saved from become a dump yard-filled with disease and illness and most importantly it demonstrated a sustainable technology that ran on its own spawning great environmental and economic benefit to all," according to Nutan.

Then there is Akanksha Joshi's Chilika Banks which will be screened in the livelihood category. The film is about a banyan tree, on the banks of the lake Chilika, silently whispers tales of the lake and her fisher folk. From the times when there was no export bazaar to the time when there maybe no lake. The film bagged the First Prize at Jeevika 2008: South Asia Livelihood Documentary Film Festival.

The bi-annual event organised by Centre of Media Studies (CMS) has got more than 100 films from 17 states of India and 15 from different other countries, which are competing with each other for the prestigious award. All films are based on the festival theme "climate change and sustainable technology''. There are 25 awards carrying the prize money of Rs 2 million in India and International categories. "The aim of the festival is to take the green cause to the masses through these Indian and international films, seminars, workshops, panel discussions and exhibitions, all of which will be the part of the five day event," says Alka Tomar, the festival director.

Alka Pande
(The author is a senior journalist)

Published in
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Negotiating Climate change - a filmi way

Negotiating Climate change - a filmi way
Alka pande

New Delhi: The timing for the screening of an environment documentary - 'Negotiating Justice' - could not have been more appropriate. The film, which talks about India's negotiating position in crucial Copenhagen meet, has been nominated for Fifth CMS Vatavaran Wildlife and Environment Award - popular as Indian Green Oscar.

The award festival ready to start in the national capital Delhi from October 27 will see the presence of eminent personalities like Indian minister for new and renewable energies Farooq Abdullah, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit, Netherlands ambassador Bob Hinesh, group general manager and country head of HSBC bank Naina Lal Kidwai, social activist Anna Hazare and noted Indian film maker Mahesh Bhatt.

The screening of the film coincides with national conference on climate change, which the country is hosting in New Delhi these days. During the conference, the UN climate chief Yvo de Boer strongly advocated "significant financial support by the developed countries to help poor nations comply with the emission targets''. Boer stressed, "any agreement at Copenhagen would need to include ambitious emission cuts for industrialised countries, limiting emission growth from developing nations and enough financial support to help poor nations comply with the targets." His message came with a warning - "if any of these inter-related issues failed to work out, the Copenhagen Summit would be a futile exercise."

Weeks ahead of December 2009, when the world meets in Copenhagen to fix a new climate agreement, the film 'Negotiating Justice' explains India's negotiating position on climate change. The film takes the viewers through a series of initiatives that India has taken voluntarily, to work towards a clean and energy-efficient economy. It reiterates that India will continue to grow even as it fights climate change.

The film raises the climate change issue in the same pitch as of Boers. It's director Rishu Nigam, who is one of the 10 women directors, whose films have been nominated for the current CMS Vatavaran Award, feels the earth's atmosphere belongs equally to all human beings, irrespective which part of it they live in. She says the dialogue on climate change is on but there are several misinformation relating to issue. "The film clears those misinformation" says Rishu.

"The film reminds us of this universal truth that was endorsed by all nations of the world in the summer of 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio. Today, several rich nations of the world are blatantly denying this reality. Despite their own remarkable legacy in polluting the planet, they demand the developing nations to cut down their greenhouse gas emissions," rues Rishu, who works In the film division of TERI and specialises in making films on environment and development issues.

This year 12 films by women directors have reached the nomination stage including the one directed by Rishu. Incidentally all these women are from the national capital. Through their films these environment lovers have raised issues like vanishing water reservoirs, disappearing lakes in and round Delhi, shortage of water, or disappearing wildlife and many more such issues.

Including Rishu's film Negotiating Justice, there are 12 films by women directors, which have reached the nomination stage for the Indian Green Oscar. Incidentally all these women are from the national capital. Through their films these environment lovers have raised issues like vanishing water reservoirs, disappearing lakes in and round Delhi, shortage of water, or disappearing wildlife and many more such issues.

Some of them have focused on intervention/success stories such as Nutan Manmohan's Brown Power. The film narrates the story of a small town - Haebowl - in the state of Punjab. Located between Satluj river and Buddha Nala - at one time it was famous for its beautiful landscape, its large milk dairies, its superior quality of milk products and its hard working people. But over the years - as more and more dairies opened up - and number of livestock began to exceed number of people - Haebowl became infamous for its foul smell and large dumps of cow dung scattered all over the town. Possibility of change emerged when Punjab Energy Development Board set up a demonstration plant in which high rate of biomethanation converted the waste into electricity - which was fed into the main grid and the by product was sold as organic manure to local farmers. "In one bold stroke - a waste product became precious resource, many new jobs were created, a town was saved from become a dump yard-filled with disease and illness and most importantly it demonstrated a sustainable technology that ran on its own spawning great environmental and economic benefit to all," according to Nutan.

Then there is Akanksha Joshi's Chilika Banks which will be screened in the livelihood category. The film is about a banyan tree, on the banks of the lake Chilika, silently whispers tales of the lake and her fisher folk. From the times when there was no export bazaar to the time when there maybe no lake. The film bagged the First Prize at Jeevika 2008: South Asia Livelihood Documentary Film Festival.

The bi-annual event organised by Centre of Media Studies (CMS) has got more than 100 films from 17 states of India and 15 from different other countries, which are competing with each other for the prestigious award. All films are based on the festival theme "climate change and sustainable technology''. There are 25 awards carrying the prize money of Rs 2 million in India and International categories. "The aim of the festival is to take the green cause to the masses through these Indian and international films, seminars, workshops, panel discussions and exhibitions, all of which will be the part of the five day event," says Alka Tomar, the festival director.

Alka Pande
(The author is a senior journalist)

Published in
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Asian Tribune, Thailand/ Sri Lanka
Ghana News, Accra, Ghana
Elites TV, USA
News Tin, UK
Friend Feed
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India Education Diary
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The Colombo Times, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Mounting pressure against new uranium mining and nuclear power plants

Mounting pressure against new uranium mining and nuclear power plants

There is a growing civil society movement against the new uranium mining and nuclear power plants in India. The National Alliance of Anti-nuclear Movements (NAAM) is mobilizing citizens to protest against the reported decision of the government of India to take a quantum leap in installed capacity for nuclear power generation, from the current level of 4,120 MW to 63,000 MW by 2032. "This decision is but an invitation to disaster" says activists.

"Nuclear power, contrary to orchestrated hypes, is actually costlier than power from conventional sources like coal, gas and hydro. And once all the hidden costs are factored in, it would be costlier than even from renewable sources, like wind, in particular" says the NAAM petition that is swelling with citizens signing and endorsing the petition addressed to Ms Pratibha Patil, President of India; Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India and Mr Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

"More importantly, it is also intrinsically hazardous, as large amount of radiation is routinely released at every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle. An even more intractable problem is that of safe storage of nuclear waste and safe disposal of outlived power plants, given the fact that the half-lives of some of the radioactive substances involved are over even millions of years" further reads the petition.

"Even more disconcerting is, considering the complexity of the technology of a nuclear reactor; there is no way to ensure that a major accident at a nuclear power plant will never take place. And a major accident, given the nature of things, will just turn catastrophic affecting a very large number of people, over a large territory, over a very long period. The disastrous accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, in the Ukraine province of the then USSR, on April 26 1986 is a chilling illustration."

"The promise of nil greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is also nothing more than a myth if the entire fuel cycle - including mining, milling, transportation and construction of the power plant - is considered. Moreover, nuclear energy with its highly centralized power production model would only further aggravate the problem by accentuating the current development paradigm reliant on mega-industries and actively blocking any possibility towards ecologically benign decentralized development. The strong linkage between nuclear power and weapons - in terms of large overlaps in technology, in turn triggering strong political push - of which India itself is a graphic illustration can also be overlooked only at our own peril given the genocidal, and suicidal, character of the nuclear weapon" reads the signature petition of NAAM.

The NAAM petition further adds:
As nuclear power is economically unattractive and socially unacceptable, on account of radiation hazards and risks of catastrophic accidents, no order for new nuclear reactors was placed in the USA and most of West Europe during the last 30 years, since the Three Mile Island accident in the US in 1979.

The US and European companies in nuclear power plant equipment and nuclear fuel business are thus looking to Asia for markets - India, China and Japan spearheading the current expansion programme.

It is unfortunate that the Indian government is becoming their willing collaborator in this in pursuit of its megalomaniac hunt for nuclear power and weapon. It has thus, over a period of just one year, rushed to enter into agreements with as many as seven countries, viz. the US, France, Russia, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Mongolia and Argentina.

So far, nuclear power production capacity in India is very small, only about 3 percent of the total electricity generation capacity; and the veil of secrecy surrounding the existing nuclear power plants in the country, and absence of any truly independent monitoring agency, has seriously hindered dissemination of information on accidents - large and small - at these plants and their public scrutiny. That explains the current low level of popular awareness as regards the grave threats posed by the nuclear industry.

Taking advantage of this, the government of India is now set to steamroll its massive expansion program.

The contention that nuclear power is indispensable to meet future energy needs is false; for energy demand, and "need", is obviously a function of the development paradigm chosen and pursued. And "energy security" is not an autonomous entity or objective, but must be in alignment with other chosen objectives which must include equitable growth and concerns for ecology.

Viewed thus, "energy security" may be achieved by: (I) Increasing efficiency of electricity generation, transmission and distribution. (II) Doing away with extravagant and wasteful use of energy. (III) Pursuing a path of low-energy intensity and decentralised development. (IV) Making optimum use of alternative energy options. (IV) Radically raising investment in development of sustainable and renewable energy sources and technologies, especially wind and solar energy.

As a part of its expansion program, the government of India has announced plans to expand the nuclear power plant coming up at Koodankulam (Tamil Nadu). Additional four reactors from Russia of 1,200 MWe each, in the immediate or near future, are to come up over and above the two of 950 MWe each, presently under construction. The process for setting up a nuclear plant at Jaitapur (Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra) has also reached an advanced stage. The French company Areva is set to supply two new generation reactors of 1650 MWe each, to be followed by another two. Land acquisition notices have been served on the local people to acquire 981 hectare of land.

The government has reportedly already approved 15 new plants at eight sites.

These sites are Kumharia in Haryana - meant for indigenous reactors; Kakrapar (indigenous reactors) and Chhayamithi Virdi (reactor from US) in Gujarat; Kovvada (reactor from US) in Andhra Pradesh; Haripur (reactor from Russia) in West Bengal; Koodankulam (reactor from Russia) in Tamil Nadu; and Jaitapur (reactor from France) in Maharashtra.

Similarly, the mad rush for more and more power plants is matched by an accelerated drive for uranium mining in newer areas: Andhra and Meghalaya, in particular. And this, despite the horrible experience of uranium mines in different parts of the world, as also in our own Jadugoda - where appalling conditions continue despite strong popular protests, spanning decades.

The signatories of this NAAM petition demand that the government of India put a complete stop to the construction of all new uranium mines and nuclear power plants, and radically jack up investments in renewable and environmentally sustainable sources of energy.

[To sign the petition, click here or go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/Nonukes/petition.html ]

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Mounting pressure against new uranium mining and nuclear power plants

Mounting pressure against new uranium mining and nuclear power plants

There is a growing civil society movement against the new uranium mining and nuclear power plants in India. The National Alliance of Anti-nuclear Movements (NAAM) is mobilizing citizens to protest against the reported decision of the government of India to take a quantum leap in installed capacity for nuclear power generation, from the current level of 4,120 MW to 63,000 MW by 2032. "This decision is but an invitation to disaster" says activists.

"Nuclear power, contrary to orchestrated hypes, is actually costlier than power from conventional sources like coal, gas and hydro. And once all the hidden costs are factored in, it would be costlier than even from renewable sources, like wind, in particular" says the NAAM petition that is swelling with citizens signing and endorsing the petition addressed to Ms Pratibha Patil, President of India; Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India and Mr Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

"More importantly, it is also intrinsically hazardous, as large amount of radiation is routinely released at every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle. An even more intractable problem is that of safe storage of nuclear waste and safe disposal of outlived power plants, given the fact that the half-lives of some of the radioactive substances involved are over even millions of years" further reads the petition.

"Even more disconcerting is, considering the complexity of the technology of a nuclear reactor; there is no way to ensure that a major accident at a nuclear power plant will never take place. And a major accident, given the nature of things, will just turn catastrophic affecting a very large number of people, over a large territory, over a very long period. The disastrous accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, in the Ukraine province of the then USSR, on April 26 1986 is a chilling illustration."

"The promise of nil greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is also nothing more than a myth if the entire fuel cycle - including mining, milling, transportation and construction of the power plant - is considered. Moreover, nuclear energy with its highly centralized power production model would only further aggravate the problem by accentuating the current development paradigm reliant on mega-industries and actively blocking any possibility towards ecologically benign decentralized development. The strong linkage between nuclear power and weapons - in terms of large overlaps in technology, in turn triggering strong political push - of which India itself is a graphic illustration can also be overlooked only at our own peril given the genocidal, and suicidal, character of the nuclear weapon" reads the signature petition of NAAM.

The NAAM petition further adds:
As nuclear power is economically unattractive and socially unacceptable, on account of radiation hazards and risks of catastrophic accidents, no order for new nuclear reactors was placed in the USA and most of West Europe during the last 30 years, since the Three Mile Island accident in the US in 1979.

The US and European companies in nuclear power plant equipment and nuclear fuel business are thus looking to Asia for markets - India, China and Japan spearheading the current expansion programme.

It is unfortunate that the Indian government is becoming their willing collaborator in this in pursuit of its megalomaniac hunt for nuclear power and weapon. It has thus, over a period of just one year, rushed to enter into agreements with as many as seven countries, viz. the US, France, Russia, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Mongolia and Argentina.

So far, nuclear power production capacity in India is very small, only about 3 percent of the total electricity generation capacity; and the veil of secrecy surrounding the existing nuclear power plants in the country, and absence of any truly independent monitoring agency, has seriously hindered dissemination of information on accidents - large and small - at these plants and their public scrutiny. That explains the current low level of popular awareness as regards the grave threats posed by the nuclear industry.

Taking advantage of this, the government of India is now set to steamroll its massive expansion program.

The contention that nuclear power is indispensable to meet future energy needs is false; for energy demand, and "need", is obviously a function of the development paradigm chosen and pursued. And "energy security" is not an autonomous entity or objective, but must be in alignment with other chosen objectives which must include equitable growth and concerns for ecology.

Viewed thus, "energy security" may be achieved by: (I) Increasing efficiency of electricity generation, transmission and distribution. (II) Doing away with extravagant and wasteful use of energy. (III) Pursuing a path of low-energy intensity and decentralised development. (IV) Making optimum use of alternative energy options. (IV) Radically raising investment in development of sustainable and renewable energy sources and technologies, especially wind and solar energy.

As a part of its expansion program, the government of India has announced plans to expand the nuclear power plant coming up at Koodankulam (Tamil Nadu). Additional four reactors from Russia of 1,200 MWe each, in the immediate or near future, are to come up over and above the two of 950 MWe each, presently under construction. The process for setting up a nuclear plant at Jaitapur (Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra) has also reached an advanced stage. The French company Areva is set to supply two new generation reactors of 1650 MWe each, to be followed by another two. Land acquisition notices have been served on the local people to acquire 981 hectare of land.

The government has reportedly already approved 15 new plants at eight sites.

These sites are Kumharia in Haryana - meant for indigenous reactors; Kakrapar (indigenous reactors) and Chhayamithi Virdi (reactor from US) in Gujarat; Kovvada (reactor from US) in Andhra Pradesh; Haripur (reactor from Russia) in West Bengal; Koodankulam (reactor from Russia) in Tamil Nadu; and Jaitapur (reactor from France) in Maharashtra.

Similarly, the mad rush for more and more power plants is matched by an accelerated drive for uranium mining in newer areas: Andhra and Meghalaya, in particular. And this, despite the horrible experience of uranium mines in different parts of the world, as also in our own Jadugoda - where appalling conditions continue despite strong popular protests, spanning decades.

The signatories of this NAAM petition demand that the government of India put a complete stop to the construction of all new uranium mines and nuclear power plants, and radically jack up investments in renewable and environmentally sustainable sources of energy.

[To sign the petition, click here or go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/Nonukes/petition.html ]

Published in:
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Uttar Pradesh Urban Sanitation Policy draft released

Uttar Pradesh Urban Sanitation Policy draft released
Kulsum Mustafa

Draft listing guidelines for the Proposed Urban Sanitation Policy for the most populated state of India - Uttar Pradesh, was released on 15th October, 2009 in Lucknow. Jointly prepared by Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES), Lucknow and UNICEF it addresses the sanitation issues of the state's urban population. The final draft was prepared after much debate and deliberation at a one-day culmination workshop, inaugurated by Prof (Dr) Dinesh Sharma, Mayor, Lucknow.

Dr Sharma highlighted the importance of state sanitation policy in the context of growing urban population and existing problems of urban environment. The participants of the workshop included People's Representatives, Executive Officers and Members of the Task Force.

"The implementation of such scheme will require mass awareness and participation, besides coordination and enforcement of legislative provisions for ensuring sanitation, proper management of solid waste, drainage and drinking water availability," said Dr Sharma. He stressed upon the need for converting such document in vernacular language for effective dissemination of information and citizens' awareness.

"Simple and practical guidelines of the sanitation policy need to be widely accepted by the public. Special importance must be given to of promoting effective sanitation in smaller towns and cities of the state", said Guest of Honor for the workshop, Ch. Jitendra Nath Singh, Mayor, Allahabad.

Prof. Nishith Rai, Director, RCUES, Lucknow welcomed the participants and special invitees to the workshop. He highlighted the need for preparing city sanitation plans based on city sanitation profile. He also reported that Govt. of India had been showing keen interest in this context and 50 ULBs have been taken up for preparation of city sanitation plans. He said the government is taking up 423 class I cities for preparing the city sanitation profiles.

Amit Mehrotra, Water Envirement and Sanitation specialist, UNICEF while highlighting the role of UNICEF said it aims at providing overall development to the children of the state, especially through school sanitation programme on which UNICEF is working with the state government.

Dr. Richa Varmani, Joint Director, RCUES made a detailed presentation on the Draft Guidelines for the Proposed Urban Sanitation Policy for the State of Uttar Pradesh. Dr. U.B.Singh, Joint Director, RCUES presented the vote of thanks.

Kulsum Mustafa
(The author is a senior journalist and Secretary-General of Media Nest)

Published in:
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Elites TV, USA
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Uttar Pradesh Urban Sanitation Policy draft released

Uttar Pradesh Urban Sanitation Policy draft released
Kulsum Mustafa

Draft listing guidelines for the Proposed Urban Sanitation Policy for the most populated state of India - Uttar Pradesh, was released on 15th October, 2009 in Lucknow. Jointly prepared by Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES), Lucknow and UNICEF it addresses the sanitation issues of the state's urban population. The final draft was prepared after much debate and deliberation at a one-day culmination workshop, inaugurated by Prof (Dr) Dinesh Sharma, Mayor, Lucknow.

Dr Sharma highlighted the importance of state sanitation policy in the context of growing urban population and existing problems of urban environment. The participants of the workshop included People's Representatives, Executive Officers and Members of the Task Force.

"The implementation of such scheme will require mass awareness and participation, besides coordination and enforcement of legislative provisions for ensuring sanitation, proper management of solid waste, drainage and drinking water availability," said Dr Sharma. He stressed upon the need for converting such document in vernacular language for effective dissemination of information and citizens' awareness.

"Simple and practical guidelines of the sanitation policy need to be widely accepted by the public. Special importance must be given to of promoting effective sanitation in smaller towns and cities of the state", said Guest of Honor for the workshop, Ch. Jitendra Nath Singh, Mayor, Allahabad.

Prof. Nishith Rai, Director, RCUES, Lucknow welcomed the participants and special invitees to the workshop. He highlighted the need for preparing city sanitation plans based on city sanitation profile. He also reported that Govt. of India had been showing keen interest in this context and 50 ULBs have been taken up for preparation of city sanitation plans. He said the government is taking up 423 class I cities for preparing the city sanitation profiles.

Amit Mehrotra, Water Envirement and Sanitation specialist, UNICEF while highlighting the role of UNICEF said it aims at providing overall development to the children of the state, especially through school sanitation programme on which UNICEF is working with the state government.

Dr. Richa Varmani, Joint Director, RCUES made a detailed presentation on the Draft Guidelines for the Proposed Urban Sanitation Policy for the State of Uttar Pradesh. Dr. U.B.Singh, Joint Director, RCUES presented the vote of thanks.

Kulsum Mustafa
(The author is a senior journalist and Secretary-General of Media Nest)

Published in:
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Elites TV, USA
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India to take measures on climate change before reaching Copenhagen

India to take measures on climate change before reaching Copenhagen
Alka Pande

Three months before the Copenhagen meet on Climate Change, when all nations concerned about impacts of degrading climate are scheduled to meet, India is creating an environment within the country to strengthen its position for negotiation at the Summit in December.

"We have nothing to feel defensive about. India was never and will never be a major polluting nation but it will be majorly impacted by the climate change. We have good track record of adaptation of alternative energies and also of conservation of energies," says the Indian Minister for Environment and Forests (MoEF) Mr Jairam Ramesh. The minister has therefore, drawn a micro action plan for improving the climate of the country.

At a South Asian Media Workshop organised by the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi, last week, the minister shared the salient features of the plan with the media persons. He was categorical in saying that "India should not, cannot and must not take legal binding targets on emission level decrease at the Copenhagen meet."

The country has already increased its budget for environment and forest from Rs 3,700 crore (Rs 370 million) in 2008-09 to Rs 8,300 crore (Rs 830 million) in the current fiscal. Concrete activities start with a workshop on Clean Development Management CDM) for capacity building of experts from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations. The minister has also lined up an India Carbon Markets Conclave, which would serve as a forum for knowledge sharing and where experts are to discuss the emerging scenarios in the global and Indian carbon market.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests is set to release a report on September 2, 2009, on "Pathways of India's Carbon Emissions," which would project the country's carbon emission until 2030 under different assumptions.

Considering the fact that technology transfer had been an important issue in the discussions of Climate Change, Jairam Ramesh is all set to convene a global conference to define the roadmap for enabling technology development as well as technology transfer to developing countries. Over 100 research institutes and over 220 scientists are expected to take part in this mega event slated on October 22 and 23. "We need to build our own research capacity," said Jairam Ramesh besides working in collaboration with the neighbouring countries, rather than depending solely on developed nations.

The government has planned to introduce some strict legislatures to minimise the emission of Green House Gases (GHGs) in the country in the near future. For example:

* There will be Energy Efficiency Standards for electronic appliances. Under the law, energy efficiency ratings will be mandatory for four major appliances – refrigerators, air conditioners, tube lights and transformers from January 7, 2010.

*The government is ready with another plan for Fuel Efficiency Standards, which would set emission norms for vehicles. The law is expected to come in force in next two years.

*The Delhi government has already introduced Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for all new government buildings. Now the MoEF is exhorting all the other states to follow suit.

*The MoEF has also decided not to give any "in Principle" approval to any project anywhere all across the country, after which the states go ahead with their project without getting many other clearances and the final nod of the ministry, thereby causing adverse impact to environment.

*There are plans to outsource monitoring work to gauge the actual position of plantations done under afforestation drives.

*The states – especially the Himalyan and coastal states have been asked to prepare comprehensive action plans on climate change – before the Copenhagen Meet.

*The government for the first time – has decided to take youngsters to the Copenhagen Meet. The leaders of other than ruling party will be invited to attend the Meet.

Climate changing between India and Pakistan
India is also building an environment towards cooperation from South Asian nations on the issue of emission level, which is the main agenda for negotiation at Copenhagen Meet. "The country has no business to act like a big boss and force its views and opinion on other South Asian countries, which are sovereign in nature and are free to have their opinions, rather India should take unilateral confidence building measures to work in coordination with neighbouring countries," said Jairam Ramesh the Indian Union Minister for Environment and Forest, who has just come back from a visit to China.

Ramesh has invited the Environment Ministers of SAARC nations next month to identify areas for mutual cooperation and also for a joint action on environment and climate change. This is because South Asian nations are facing different problems and lobby for different suggestions to tackle their respective area specific issues. Jairam Ramesh plans to visit all the South Asian countries to start a dialogue for cooperation among the SAARC nations on Climate Change.
However, surprisingly India and Pakistan share their views on the issue and stand in solidarity when it comes to Climate Change. "South Asian countries do not have similar views on Climate Change but surprisingly and pleasantly India and Pakistan share their views on the issue," the Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh pronounced the fact before the scribes of SAARC nations.

Interestingly, his observation was endorsed by the Pakistan diplomat Mr Farrukh Iqbal Khan, the Director UN (II), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, who was also present at the occasion and who also raised queries on shared responsibility of developed and developing nations in emission level reduction. Farrukh clarified that targets for emission reduction should be set in accordance to sustainable development in the developing nations.

Jairam Ramesh although admitting that "the climate is not ready between India and Pakistan for a dialogue on climate change," said that before October 19 a bilateral dialogue between the two countries is expected.

Alka Pande
(The author is a senior journalist)

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