| NBA Press Release |
05 April 2003 |
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Letter to CM of Mahrashtra |
62, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Badwani, Madhya Pradesh - 451551 Tel: 07290-22464 Email: |
Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde, Chief Minister, Mantralaya, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 023 Fax. 022-23684509/ 022-23634950 Date: Dear Hon’ble Chief Minister, We are shocked to read the Times of India news (dated April 3, 2003) that the Gujarat Minister for Narmada, Mr. Chudasma is confident that Maharashtra government will give permission raise the height of Sardar Sarovar dam from current 95 mts. to 100 mts. We are aware about the progressive steps the Congress government in Maharashtra has taken over the years to see that the tribal communities are not left high and dry in the process of building the dam. Maharashtra government has insisted on land – for – land policy to make sure that the history of destitution is not repeated in Sardar Sarovar. Appointment of a Task Force by the Maharashtra government and joint resurveying of the affected villages, with the Narmada Bachao Andolan is lauded as a bold and confident step of a government that actually means to stand by and for the people. As you are well aware, according to the Task Force report, in Maharashtra alone there are over 1300 families without rehabilitation, affected at the current height of 95 meters. Also, at least 500 families who were shifted to the resettlement sites way back in 1993/95 are yet to be given due land entitlements and 267 of them are yet to be resettled. Also, the claims of 3500 families, affected by compensatory afforestation, catchment area treatment for the status of Project Affected Persons are still pending. These are unambiguous facts, which nobody can ignore. In this context, any permission for further construction can happen only with distributing cash, in lieu of the land submerged. This, you know, is against the Tribunal Award and that policy is a blot on any civilized society. We hope that your government will not resort to that. We request you not to succumb to any pressure of the government of Gujarat to raise the dam height. Agreeing to that will mean that your government is endorsing the anti-people policies of the Gujarat and MP governments. As NRIs, we look upon the Maharashtra government to take bold steps and protect the interests of the people. Sincerely, Name: Profession / University Place Copy to: |
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