Rally to the Valley!!!
Invitation to the
POL KHOL YATRA
in the Narmada Valley
25 – 27 April, 2006
After the Narmada Bachao Andolan’s (NBA) 30-day long dharna and 20-day fast for justice in Delhi, it is now time to take the struggle against the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) to a new level. For the last 20 years, through a strong people’s movement in the Narmada Valley, the Andolan has exposed the large-scale displacement, failed rehabilitation and environmental destruction arising from the construction of the colossal SSP. In spite of this, the decision to raise the height of the dam from 110.64 to 121.92 metres was made, which would completely obliterate adivasis, farmers, and entire densely populated villages. In response to this unjust and illegal decision, the Andolan launched a focused struggle that received an overwhelming support from peoples’ movements, students, teachers, artists, and citizens from all walks of life across the country and abroad. This only reinforces that the dark truth behind the projected glitter of such development paradigms is being questioned, not just by the victims and the marginalised, but by every rational thinking and sensitive human being. This is why, in addition to saving the Narmada Valley, there is a critical need to question and seriously analyse and challenge the anti-people and violent development policies prevalent in the country. The struggle in the Narmada Valley and against the destructive Sardar Sarovar dam are but examples of this antagonistic development model.
Since many years, there has been an ongoing debate regarding the various issues related to the SSP, especially displacement and rehabilitation. Through our recent struggle in Delhi, the visit of the Group of Ministers to the Valley, the debate between the central and state government, testimonies and struggles of the displaced, and sustained efforts of supporters like you, the true issues and contentions related to the SSP have become known across the country and the world.
On April 17, in response to a petition on behalf of 48 displaced families, the Supreme Court has asked all involved state governments to submit, within a week, their statements regarding rehabilitation. After deliberating on these, it will then decide the fate of the people of the Valley on 1st May. The Court has clearly stated that the Prime Minister can take whatever decision he considers appropriate and intervene in the matter whenever he wants. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has categorically affirmed that unless proper rehabilitation of the affected is not completed in accordance with the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award, the height of the dam cannot be raised.
In response to all these developments, the Narmada Bachao Andolan announces a “Pol Khol Yatra” – or a visit to “expose the lies.” We are going to bring to the forefront the true reality of the Sardar Sarovar dam. We have to expose the rampant social and environmental destruction while countering the false benefits that the government is harping on as well as exposing their lies regarding rehabilitation. Through this effort, we will also contest the false allegations that have been recently slapped on us and prove them wrong.
People from movements and struggles across the world are requested to come together and join us in order to take this movement for truth and justice forward with greater strength. It is with this in mind that the Narmada Bachao Andolan announces a “POL KHOL YATRA” in the Narmada Valley from 25 – 27 April.
We warmly invite you – our supporters, colleagues, friends, comrades from other struggles and movements, adivasis, dalits, workers, artists, musicians, citizens of conscience, lawyers, journalists, media persons and others to join us in this Yatra.
We urge you to come see for yourself the real truth as well as the government’s corruption, exploitation, violation of the law, and subversion of democracy in the Narmada Valley.
People from across the country, including eminent persons, writers and students will be part of this unique initiative.
PLEASE JOIN US TOO!!!
ITINERARY OF THE POL KHOL YATRA
25 April, 2006
early morning: Arrival in Indore (please inform the NBA Badwani office of your arrival time)
10 am – 12 pm: Sabha – people’s gathering
12 – 1 pm: Lunch
1 pm: Departure from Indore. Welcome at Kalghat. Proceed to Dharampuri, Aikkalbara, Chhota Barda, Pipri (spend the night in Pipri)
26 April, 2006
Departure from Pipri to Bhilkheda, Chikalda, Nissarpur, Badwani (spend the night in Badwani)
27 April, 2006
Departure from Badwani to Kakrana, Bhadal, and rehabilitation sites in Gujarat
28 April 2006
return to Indore in the morning
You can arrange your return on the night of 27 April from Baroda but it would probably be best to book your ticket for April 28 from Indore, in case we are not able to reach Baroda as planned.
We will visit submerged villages, villages to be submerged, the region’s age-old but still vibrant and living civilization and culture, and the area’s rich natural environment. The trip among other things will include, a large rally and “mashal yatra” in Badwani, visits to adivasi and farmer’s homes, night vigils on the banks of the Narmada, songs, plays, boat journeys on the river Narmada…
To raise key questions before the State, to counter their lies, and to bring to light the truth, the NBA needs your support – in great strength and large numbers.
You will also see how the NBA operates and works and understand our strategies, the issues we are dealing with, and gain an in depth insight into the struggle.
On one side are those desiring the death of the Valley, those pushing the dam height higher and higher while on the other, are the people of the Valley and living villages… Please come see this picture of contradiction.
Your strong presence, right now, is critical to help stop the inhuman displacement and to expose the government’s sham of rehabilitation!!!
Your support, assistance and solidarity have been critical to our struggle. Now we invite you to be part of this important rally. We need you to be with us, now!!
PLEASE JOIN THIS RALLY TO THE VALLEY!!!! PLEASE BRING AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN WITH YOU!!!!
We look forward to having you with us.
In solidarity,
Mohan Patidar, Sapna Kanera, Kamala Yadav, Medha Patkar, Ashish Mandloi, Om Prakash Yadav, Hirdaram Bharud, Sanovar Bhai, Kailash Avashthya
Contacts:
Indore: Visarjan Ashram, Navlaka Chauraha, Indore
Vineet Tiwari: 98931 92740, Rakesh Diwan: 9826 066153, Sapress: 0731-2401083
Badwani:
NBA office: 07290-222 464
Umesh/Ashish: 94254 80131/ 94254 79854
Mohan Patidar: 94250 87536
Delhi: 011-2668 0883 / 9818 030 423/ 9818 205 234/ 98682 00316
Dhule: Shyam Patil: 02562- 246 419
Pune: Sunithi: 020-2425 1404
Mumbai: 022 – 2491 1241 / 98797 08076
Recommended trains for travelling to Indore and back from Delhi:
2416 Intercity Nizamuddin to Indore dep. time 22:15 arrival 11:50 - daily Fare: sleeper : Rs. 323
2415 Nizamuddin Express Indore-Nizamuddin dep. time 16:05 arrival 6:00 - daily
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