Three day upvas (hunger strike) ends with a warning to the government

The three day Dhyanrakshan Upvas (Hunger Strike) from July 11 to get the government's attention on Tehri Dam Oustees ended on July 13. The objective was to make the rehabilitation process fast, free from corruption, transparent and well organised. This also included that only the diverging tunnels be closed after rehabilitation. Vimal Bhai of Matu People's Organisation and Arjun Lal, Yogendra pant, Gulshan Anand Bhumidhar Visthapit Organisation's ended their UPVAS with a resolution, passed by the masses.

"If the Government does not take action on the issues raised by DHAYANAKARSHAN UPVAS (Hunger Strike) then Matu's People Organisation and Bhumidhar Visthapith Sangthan will take 'Hard Steps'. Meanwhile, water level is rising around the Tehri Town and the Govt. should take immediate decision over the pending matter of rehabilitation"

A memorandum was sent to the Chief Minister of Uttrakhand. According to the memorandum:

-     Full time Rehabilitation Director.
-     Fulfillment of 8 demands raised in urban rehabilitation.
-     Fulfillment of demands raised in rural areas.
-     Open enquiry on corruption; end to rural-urban pending issues.
-      Village wise eligibility list of oustees, different compensation
rates, current status of land acquisition with full records should be made
public and this should be available to everyone. Every month-updated record
has to be made in public.
-     Urban and Rural remaining compensation should be distributed
instantly.
-     Keep the civic amenities proper in the old Tehri Town and safe
places should be told to the organisation.
-     An inquiry on illegal construction and removal should be done.
-     Map of Green Belt in New Tehri Town should be made available to
the organisation.
-     Grievances Cell should be set up without any delay.

Members of Mahila Morcha and Berojgar Morcha were also sited on one-day UPVAS in support. Mr Pritam Panwar (M.L.A) and the president of Uttrakhand Kranti Dal, Mr. Dinesh Dhanai (Chairman, Municipal Corporation, Tehri) supported and joined the dharna. After visiting the dharna, Mr. Pritam Panwar met Chief Minister and raised oustees' issues. He informed the C. M. that old city is bearing the lack of civic amenities. He strongly declared that if oustees problems will not be solved, his party would take up this issue in whole of the state.

Ms. Kamla Pant, president of Uttrakhand Mahila Manch with other organisations from Dehradoon supported the cause.

On July 13, 2003 an official was present at the occasion, acted on the behalf of Rehabilitation Director invited the oustees for dialogue on Wednesday 16-07-03.

Village & P.O. Chaam, Tehri, Uttarakhand
D-105, Ganesh Nagar, Pandav Nagar Complex, Delhi-110092
Tel: 91+11+22063871
Email:[email protected]
Email:[email protected]