NBA Update 9th April 2006
Fw: initiativeindia
gmail.com
for more information about the Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save the Narmada Movement= NBA) visit 
http://www.narmada.org
Narmada Bachao Andolan
62 Gandhi Marg, Badwani, Madhya Pradesh 451551. Ph: 07290-222464
C/o B-13 Shivam Flats, Ellora Park, Vadodara, Gujarat 390023.
Ph: 0265-2282232
Maitri Niwas, Tembewadi, Dhadgaon, dist. Nandurbar, Maharashtra.
Ph: 02595-220620
PRESS RELEASE
April 9, 2006
- Day of artist solidarity with the people of Narmada
- 212 artist release statement in support of the NBA struggle
- Indefinite fast for justice enters in 12th day
- Medha sends letter to PM demanding her release and stressing the gross injustice being committed with every increase of the Sardar Sarovar dam
- NBA awaits Ministers report from their visit to the valley
- National and International solidarity rises
The 24th day of the NBA dharna at Jantar Mantar was marked as a day of artists expressing solidarity with the people's struggle. An exhibition of children's paintings was installed at he site; whil, at one group sang songs of social justice. Several singers, writers, photographers and filmmakers participated in the daylong programme. 'Films for Freedom' issued a statement signed by 212 artists. Sahmat also supported the programme.
The International and national support for the movement to stop further construction of the dam has been overwhelming, with dharnas, solidarity fast and letters pouring in. On Thursday marches in Bangalore and Plachimada were accompanied by a 24 hours fast. In Pune, with 50 organisations culminating in the submission of a petition to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra with almost 400 signatures. On Friday 150 people worldwide signed up for a one-day solidarity fast, while fasts were held in Chennai and Bangalore, Jalana and Auranagabad. Yesterday more than 200 people in Bangalore and more than 400 people under the banner of National Alliance of People's Movement in Kolkata undertook relay fasts. Actions were also held in Latur & Parbhani, Himachal Pradesh, Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), Mumbai, Raipur and many others.
So far, more than 2000 people worldwide have signed an online petition in protest against the construction of the dam, while an open challenge to Sardar Sarovar engineers has over 600 signatures.
A letter from the President of 'Right Livelihood Award' in support of Medha Patkar was also sent to the PM. Similar petitions, memorandums, and letters of concern to the concerned authorities have poured in, including from Rivers' Group, Water & Energy Users' Federation (Nepal), Arunachal Pradesh Citizen's Right, Childe Rights and You (CRY), Delhi University, Forum of Religious for Justice & Peace and International Farakka Committee.
As the NBA awaits the report of three ministers who have returned from the Narmada Valley, Dr B D Sharma who was also independent observer says, "The vally is setting with discontent. The false claims of rehabilitation on paper are clearly exposed when you see the ground reality
Dipti Bhatnagar Yogini Khanolkar Clifton D Rozario
narmada 2006 | narmada | www.agp.org (archives) | www.all4all.org