Hotline Asia Urgent Appeals -- SUA020505(8)

Respond to Demands of Adivasis Affected by Man Project
~ INDIA ~
5 June 2002

Action Requested || Sample Letter || Background
Please respond as soon as possible and not later than 14 June 2002
Update

Summary

The International Rivers Network (IRN) and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) - a local movement to save the Narmada in India - call for urgent solidarity action for the adivasis (tribals) affected by the Man Project, one of 30 large dams to be constructed as part of the Narmada Project.

Since 15 May 2002, over 150 adivasis have started a sit-in protest to demand a stop to the construction of the Man Project and other dam-related activities until the 1000 adivasi families are given adequate agricultural land and until rehabilitation is satisfactorily completed. On 21 May, 4 activists started an indefinite hunger strike and they were still on strike after 14 days.

It was reported that as the indefinite hunger strike entered the eighth day, the response of the government of Madhya Pradesh was very poor. The people have found a land which could be given as compensation, but the government finds it too expensive. Also, the cash compensation was only Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 (~US$20.40) for the loss of their past and future livelihood.
 
Action Requested

To show your concern that the government's treatment and compensation is not acceptable, and to end the hunger strike, please write polite letters immediately and urge the authorities to:

  1. stop all construction work on the project,

  2. respond to the demands of the protestors fairly and positively, and

  3. respect and protect the adivasi's right to life and livelihood.

Send letters to:    
The Honourable Mr. Digvijay Singh
Chief Minister
Government of Madhya Pradesh
Vallabh Bhavan, Bhopal
INDIA		 Fax:
Email: 		91-755-540501
cm@mp.nic.in
Send copies to:    
Diplomatic Representatives of India in your country.
 

Sample Letter

We are writing in reference to the ongoing protest and indefinite hunger strike in Bhopal by the adivasis (tribal) affected by the Man Dam project, one of 30 dams under the Narmada Valley Development Project.

We understand that there is less than a month left until the monsoon submergence and little or no possibility of rehabilitating the 17 affected villages. However, the 1994 Central Environment Ministry clearance for the Man Project was given on the condition that affected tribal families are rehabilitated on non-forest agricultural land.

As the hunger strike enters its third week, we strongly urge you to respond positively to the demands of the protestors and stop all construction activity on the dam until rehabilitation is provided on a land for land basis. We also urge you to engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected people to ensure protection of their basic human right to life and livelihood.
 

Background

Since 15 May 2002, nearly 150 adivasis (tribals) affected by the Man Dam in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India have engaged in an indefinite sit-in in Bhopal, the capital city. Four activists from the IRN went on an indefinite hunger strike on 20 May 2002. As the strike entered the eighth day, IRN urged for pressure on the government of Madhya Pradesh to respond to the demands of the protestors.

The Man dam is one of the 30 large dams planned as part of the Narmada Valley Development Project (NVDP). It is under construction on the river Man that drains into the Narmada River.

In 1994, the Central Environment Ministry granted environmental clearance for the project, on the condition that the affected adivasis must be resettled with non-forest agricultural land. Contrary to this, the Man Dam-affected people were given, what local activists consider a pittance, in cash compensation without being offered land-for-land compensation or information about their legal entitlements.

Without rehabilitation, the 17 affected villages will be submerged this monsoon (June to September). Tree felling and dismantling of local schools has started in the area despite protests from the local communities.

The affected people have demanded an immediate halt to tree felling and police presence in the submergence zone. They have demanded a stop to construction and other dam related activities until the 1000 adivasi families are given adequate agricultural land and until rehabilitation is satisfactorily completed.

Sources:

  • South Asia Campaigns
  • International Rivers Network
  • Narmada Bachao Andolan
 

Please remember to send copies of your letters to Hotline Asia for monitoring purpose.
Thank you for Your Continued Support!!