15-01-2014 "AAP” and I

15-01-2014   "AAP” and I THE SCENARIO In the first week of the year 2014, I roamed in Alaknanda Ghati of uttarakhand for five days. I saw many hoardings showing people wearing aam aadmi caps, known and unknown faces. Various regional associations were also been organized at various places. Many people working with us on dam also went to attend some. I went to Srinagar and Vishnu prayag dam affected areas. Many people have lost everything they had in the recent June, 2013 calamity. Since past 5-6 months, Matu has been trying to raise these issues by paper letting, press conferences, put legal case on Dam company- Jaypee, GVK but the government didn’t pay any heed to our voice. The government officials least cared because they had their pocket full. They didn’t care to see the huge amounts of silt deposited in River Alaknanda due to Vishnupryag HEP. Our saathi Bharat Chouhan ji was telling everybody how there are severe environmental alterations happening in laxman Ganga. He had lost a restaurant who have had employed around 25 people. His village Pulna Byondar was washed way completely. But he was more concerned for the wildlife of that area. This place is very close to the “Popular valley of flowers” and also a way to Sikh pilgrim place “Hemkund Sahib”. Since past 200 days, people are on protest beside Alaknanda bank for construction of retaining walls to save them from Srinagar dam water. The responsibility of more than 250 people who saw their land, house getting destroyed goes to Srinagar Dam Construction Company GVK. Dam companies in the name of development/money get all the major political leaders and powerful economic people to stand by them. These issues are more important to me, which are not looked by the people who are running to join AAP in Uttarakand, rather they are overlooking these issues. AN OLD STORY Uttarakand, had a history of the decade’s long struggle new State. I worked with Sunderlal Bhaguna Ji, a renowned environmentalist and others. I remember at the time of struggle for new state Uuttarakhand, one of the bigest leader of the movement Badoni ji asked Sunderlal ji to join them in their struggle. Sunderlal Ji stated simply to first sort and answer the issue of Tehri dam and then he’ll join the party named Uttarakhand Kranti Dal. Badoni ji assured that we shall discuss all of this after we get the statehood. Sunderlal ji negated any such proposals, saying that then you’ll be a minister and there’ll be a guard standing outside for me. Along with Sunderlalji, there were many activists, writers and others who had a vision of Uttarakhand. After the formaition of the state this above mentioned party now merged with big political parties namely BJP and Congress and the fate of the Aam Uttarkhandi at the mercy of these parties with no sense of real the Uttarakand. AAP will not be like this, I do hope. Happy and Happiness In last twenty days, I am glad to see Arvind Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of Delhi. He feels like a part of my small family and this was a celebrated moment. I do remember that some years back a delegation of Tehri Oustees met Mrs. Sheila Dixit, the then CM of Delhi and asked her to support us in speeding up the process of rehabilitation because you are enjoying water in Delhi, the cause of which drowns us in Tehri. She assured for her support but it never went beyond assurance. I wrote a letter on 6th January, 2014 to my friend, CM Kejriwalji. He has initially been in touch with me and enquired about World Bank on water privatization issues of Delhi. I wrote three key issues in my letter. I requested for inclusion of poor people who do not have tap connections to enjoy from the recent free water policy. Secondly, I asked him to do something for the rehabilitation of Tehri Dam Oustees and put pressure on Uttarakhand Government first to speed up the rehabilitation process and second not to give permission to dam company THDC to fill the reservoir to its full capacity. Finally, I asked him to reconsider the MoUs of proposed Renuka Dam, Himachal and Kisau and Lakhwar Dams in Uttarakhand, keeping its environmental and displacement repercussions. One of the key aim of these dam to get water for Delhi. Because Delhi have a capacity to fulfill its real needs of water. I am still waiting for a response. I am sure he’ll take necessary step and I know he has very busy schedule.. I am happy to see Arvindbhai as CM but my happiness belongs to the smiles of delhi slum people, Tehri dam oustees and green environment of Himalaya. AAP and I I have also been receiving many phone calls over the past few weeks about my political position and whether I am going to join AAP any time soon or if I will stand in a constituency elections or can I lobby for them in AAP. These scholars are usually my colleagues, co activists and general acquaintances. It shows that people consider our movements coherent with those of AAP because our people’s movement (NAPM) were largely involved in anticorruption movements led by Anna ji and his team in which Arvind bhai one prominent figure. I understand corruption is a draconian problem but one cannot refute the importance of equally crucial issues like AFSPA, question of dignity, communal issue, dams, tribal, and displacement due to development etc. And yes, I cannot expect solutions of all these issues by Arvind Kejriwal ji in this short span of time. It’ll take time and many more struggles from various authorities. I am sure they need support for movements. He has a very good team of intellectuals, lawyers, activists, etc. Sure I do support AAP. My Analysis Friends, you have read THE SCENARIO and AN OLD STORY I narrated above and on that basis, I decide not to join AAP. Voting is our right as well as duty and we accomplish it with full responsibility. This time we’ll have a better option. I support AAP and I convince people around me to vote for AAP but I shall not join AAP. I would rather stay as a small watch dog in Uttarakhand, the area I am working. NAPM has an old and long story of participating in elections. Every time during elections, our old leaders, supporters, advisors like Late. Gandhian Siddharaj Dhadaji, Justice Rajendra Sachar ji, Renowned Journalist Kuldeep Nayyar ji and others have had always put pressure on Medha Patkar ji and NAPM to contest in elections because they feel that the country needs a leadership of this flavor instead of the royal, communal parties with lethargic working. As NAPM, we’ve always supported Lok Ummeedwars (People’s representative) and we’ve worked, campaigned and promoted the cause of parties like “Samajwadi Janparishad” (constituent of NAPM and the school of thought of Yogendra Yadavji, Ajit Jhaji and many others) and other such political efforts. We have also collected donations for them from people. We’ve witnessed some electoral success like Dr. Sunilam who was elected as independent MLA of Multai constituency, M.P. Later he joined Samjwadi party which he left soon and now contest as an independent candidate. Support to AAP So we do support AAP and have been and would be campaigning for the party, directly or indirectly, through speeches, paper letting, etc. but we all People’s Movements and alliance like National Alliance of Peoples' Movements should not cuddle ourselves in the arms of AAP. Each people movement is fighting for a specific contentious issue of a region or group. Aligning the movement with party will deter our cause as the party will stand above the particular interests of these people’s movements. There are many people in the National Political class of our country who support such people’s movements but they cannot involve themselves more than the support because of the restrictions by the party guidelines. Till now, we’re able to bring some changes and positive work in the policies through these people because we were independently fighting for the cause. The moment we enter the field as a competitor to this political class, our options get limited. Anna Hazare ji could have been an able watch dog and could have constructively critiqued AAP but this place is still vacant. There is a need of an independent watch dog which can affirmatively work on the government policies. According to great Gandhian Vinobha Bhave, there are two kinds of leadership, direct and indirect. We believe in the second option. After the independence Gandhi himself said that the first line of leadership should go and work in the villages. We should remember their words in choosing our options today. After being associated with NAPM since the beginning with few interruption And with Didi, I personally feel that Medha Patkar Ji also, should not join AAP. She has pressure from many of our friends. But it is need of the time that she must choose the second option. The Country always need an independent person above political line and SHE has that capacity. A big space and role for people's movement is always required in the Indian democracy. Keeping all these point I support AAP but I will not join AAP. Best Vimalbhai Convenor Matu Jansangthan, Uttarakhand National Organiser (out of four) National Alliance of Peoples' Movements

Press Note 13-1-2014

NOTICE ISSUE BY NGT: COMPENSATE THE LOSS TO SRINAGAR HOUSEHOLD

Notice issued to Alaknanda Hydropower Co. Ltd., Central Ministry of Environment and Forests and Uttarakhand State Government by National Green Tribunal on 9^th January, 2014. (NGT order is attached)

On 2^nd January, 2014, Srinagar Bandh Aapda Sangharsh Samiti through its Vice president Shri Premballabh Kala and Vimal Bhai, Convenor, Matu Jansangthan filed a case in NGT for the compensation of damage caused due to Srinagar Hydro Electric Project. Applicants seeking restoration, damage and com National Green Tribunal pensation against the project proponent of the Srinagar Hydroelectric Project (330 MW) who are responsible largely for the devastation caused to the Shaktibihar, Lower Bhaktiana, Chauhan Mohalla, Gas Godown, Food Godown, SSB, ITI, Resham Farm, Roadways Bus Stand, Nursery Road, Alkeshwar Temple, Gram Sabha Ufalda’s Fatehpur reti, Sriyantra Island Resort, and other places including Governmental / Quasi-Governmental/Personal and public property of Srinagar in Pauri district of Uttarakhand.

Counsel Rahul Choudhary on behalf of applicants argued that the project proponent has dumped large quantity of muck generated from the construction of the Srinagar Hydroelectric Project just beside the gates of the dam on the river bed of Alaknanda. On 16^th & 17.06.2013 because of the heavy rain and floods the water was filled in the reservoir of the Srinagar Hydroelectric Project and the project proponent kept the gates of the dam close which led to accumulation of water and creating huge reservoir. The project proponent then opened the gate which resulted in massive flow of water suddenly which also swept away the muck dump on the river bed and all the muck then along with the water reached the villagers and filled up the house and various other areas and contributed in large scale to the damaged. The project proponent has not even constructed retention wall which resulted in further damage because of the dam. After listening the counsel the bench of five members issued the notice to all the respondents. Next hearing is scheduled on 6^th February.

It is well known that after 6 months of June 2013 calamity, there has been no inquiry set up by the state or central government. We have been trying to file a FIR but local district police official have always refused to do so. Not even a single dam supporter including local MPs and MLAs cared to reach people through any means. It is very much clear that the dam supporters are supporting dams not for the welfare of people but for their own personal interest.

After the June calamity, 2013 Mat Jansangathan had done the ground survey and it can be safely deduced that underconsturction and working dams raised the quantum of the calamity. We raised this issues with the masses thtough leaf letting, meetings, press confencess,etc. We sent letters to authorities, different ministries, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, MLAs and MP's but no one showed any interest in the issue. Now we entered into legal battle too. This is the first ever case filed in any court for the compensations for the loss of people's assets.

We will use all means under the Constitution of India to take our rights.

Puran Singh Rana

(Matu Jansangthan)

Chndra Mohan Bhatt Vijay Laxmi Ratudi

(Srinagar Bandh Aapda Sangharsh Samiti)
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NGT ORDER

http://www.greentribunal.gov.in/date-wise-order.php

BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL,

PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI

M.A. NO. 7 OF 2014 & M.A. NO. 8 OF 2014

IN

Original Application No. 3 of 2014

Srinagar Bandh Aapda Sangharsh Samiti & Anr.

Vs.

Alaknanda Hydropower Co. Ltd. & Ors.

CORAM : HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SW ATANTER KUMAR, CHAIRPERSON

HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE U.D. SALVI, JUDICIAL MEMBER

HON’BLE MR. DR. D.K. AGRAW AL, EXPERT MEMBER

HON’BLE MR. B.S. SAJW AN, EXPERT MEMBER

HON’BLE DR. R.C. TRIVEDI, EXPERT MEMBER

Present: Applicant: Mr. Rahul Choudhary, Advocate

Respondents: None appeared

Date and Remarks

Item No. 12 January 9, 2014

Orders of the Tribunal

We have heard the Learned counsel appearing for the Applicant.

Issue Notice to the Respondents by registered post/acknowledgement due and Dasti as well.

Notice returnable on 06th February, 2014. Notice on Misc. Applications as well.

Requisites to be filed within three days from today.

Learned counsel appearing for the Respondent 2 puts in appearance and prays for time to file the Reply.

Let the Reply be filed within two weeks from today with advance copy to the Learned counsel appearing for the Applicant who may file Rejoinder thereto, if any, within one week thereafter.

........................................,CP

(Swatanter Kumar)

........................................,JM

(U.D. Salvi)

.........................................,EM

(Dr. D.K. Agrawal)

.........................................,EM

(B.S. Sajwan)

.........................................,EM

(Dr. R.C. Trivedi)

Letter to Delhi CM 6 January 2013

To,

 

 

Shri Arvind Kejarivalji

The Chief Minister of Delhi

Secretriate 

New Delhi

Subject: Water Supply to the poor in Delhi and the problems faced by Tehri Dam affected people from where Delhi Water is supplied, 

Dear Sir,

We welcome you as the Chief Minister of Delhi and wish success in all your government efforts towards a welfare system of governance. We acknowledge your policy improvements and working of the distribution of water and electricity to the people of Delhi particularly focusing on the poor sections of the city swiftly after your oath as the Chief Minister of the State.

Through this letter, we wish to throw some light on three issues that needs your due notice in regard with the water supply in Delhi.

First issue:-

There is approximately 40% leakage in the water supply mechanism in the city which need to be mended for increasing the efficiency of the water provision for the people of Delhi. Keeping in mind that there is a large section amongst the poor in Delhi, who survive on the water through pipe line leakage and other unregulated source. Water supply in unauthorized colonies, slum areas should be regulated.

We expect you to look through the issue and act in accordance to your capacity for their inclusion in the safe, cheap and regular system of water supply of the city poor.

Second Issue:-

We must put to your notice that a large part (300 cusecs) of Delhi water supply comes from Tehri Hydro Electric Project reservoir built on Ganga River, Uttarakhand. This has resulted in cheap and high amount of water supply for the people residing in Delhi. But what must also be recognized is the problems faced by the people displaced due to construction of Tehri dam.

• The displacement initiatives that have been in process for more then 30 years now have still not been able to provide basic Health, Education, Property Rights, Transport, Banks facility, Ration shops, Roads, Sewage system and Livelihood facilities for the around 40 villages that were displaced during the construction of the dam. All of this were promised as a part of rehabilitation policy at the time of displacement but have still not been able to cater needs of many amongst the displaced. There are schools but no teachers, health facilities are negligible, and almost no development of basic infrastructure like roads, sewage, etc. People are merely left in the jungles to survive on their own means.
• Nearly 80 villages around the Tehri Dam reservoir are facing enormous problem from landslides, soil erosion and sinking. Around 30 villagers and more than 70 cattle have already died due to drowning in the reservoir.
• New Tehri Town, one of the major rehabilitation sites of Old Tehri town, have direct supply of water from the lake without any filtration or refining process which is not usable and sometimes even harmful in the daily domestic use. People have been protesting and voicing out to get a regular water supply in their relocated areas. Movements for clean and appropriate water supply are going on under the leadership of Naagri Manch New Tehri and Bhoomidhar Visthapit Sangathan. The struggle has witnessed months’ long Dharna, Rallies, Sheher Bandh, Relay hunger strikes, indefinite hunger strike, etc during its course but till now, there’s has no solution. On the other hand, the people shall now have to pay water tax, for which the agitation is in process.
• Due to the sinking phenomenon in the 80 villages around the reservoir, lives, property, agricultural land and livelihood is under threat. These villages have to resettle and rehabilitate elsewhere. The rehabilitation policy is yet to be finalized due to the tussle between state government of Uttarakhand and Tehri Dam Proponent Tehri Hydro Electric Development Corporation. This issue is still to be decided by the Supreme Court in the matter of N.D. Juyal and Shekhar Singh v/s Government of India, fighting for the rehabilitation lacks of the displaced of Tehri dam. Till now Supreme Court of India did not grant permission for filling the reservoir of Tehri Dam fully due to delay in rehabilitation.
• It is important to mention here that environment clearance (EC) granted to Tehri Dam HEP dated 19-7-1990 is not followed till date. There are severe environmental problems arising from the Tehri dam construction leading to soil erosion, loss of aquatic life, loss of forests, etc. which cannot be ignored. On Rehabilitation aspect EC clearly said:-

3.2. Rehabilitation

The Tehri Hydro Development Corporation will, through a reputed institution, undertake a socio-economic study of the measures needed to ensure that the standard of living of the oustees is not affected due to the project. The study will be completed by 30.6.1991. The THDC will implement such recommendations as may be made by the Ministry of Environment and Forests for rehabilitation after consideration of the study report by the MEF. The rehabilitation package covering population affecting Koteshwar dam as well as those living on the rim of the reservoir and likely to be affected will be prepared before 31.3.1991.

Third Issue:-

Delhi Government had signed MoUs with Uttarakhand Government in developing dams like Renuka HEP, Himachal Pradesh; Lakhwar HEP and Kisau HEP, Uttarakhand which should not be proceeded further, keeping in mind the real costs of such projects and its consequences, which can be seen in the Tehri Dam issue.

The rights of Delhi people’s right to cheap, abundant water supply are on one side while the right to life and livelihood of the displaced people of the Dams constructed for its purpose are on other. We feel Delhi Government is also responsible for the aforementioned victimization and protect the environment of that area.

Few years back Tehri dam affected people met the then Chief Minister Ms. Shila Dixshitji for her intervention to speed up the rehabilitation process but nothing has been done till date.

In the light of above mention issues we request you to:

• Consider poorest people of Delhi also in the plan of providing water.
• Support Tehri Dam affected people for their proper rehabilitation and ask Uttarakhand Govt. and not to give permission to THDC for filling full reservoir.
• Review the MOU of Renuka HEP, Himachal Pradesh; Lakhwar HEP and Kisau HEP, Uttarakhand in reference of Delhi water needs and the environment and apathy towards displace people.
  
  

We hope to meet you with respect to the above issues, discuss and deliberate the problem and perhaps look for some alternative to the development or include the voice and needs of the marginalized in the wheel of progress.

We hope for your affirmative response!

Thanking You

Yours Sincerely

Vimal Bhai, Puran Singh Rana and

(Matu Jansangthan)

Kamal Singh Mahar, Ramanand Bhatt

(Naagrik Munch, New Tehri)

Girish Ghildiyal, Anurag Pant

(Bhoomidhar Visthapit Sangathan)

Press Note 10-12-2013

          हिन्दी प्रैस नोट नीचे दिया है।

•  Jaypee Company! stop killing Alaknanda : People will take their own action
  

  • NGT orders Jt. Secretary, MoEF to present in court for the matter

              See photos taken on 29th November
  

  

  
  

Environment violations are continued by Jaypee Company in Vishnuprayag Hydro Electric project on River Alaknanda in Uttarakhand. It is a well known truth that on 16^th-17^th June, 2013 the gates of the Vishnuprayag Hydro Electric Project was not opened by the JAYPEE Company due to which a lot of muck got accumulated in the dam reservoir and a lake was formed which broke gates and created lot of destruction in the villages at the dam downstream. This also caused huge destruction to the environment. There is no plan yet to compensate this damage.

Even after continued agitations and reminder to government officials by affected people, the JAYPEE Company has not started following environmental safeguards of the region affected by the debris of the dam project while clearing the dam reservoir. No attention is being paid for the future protection of the areas downstream of the dam.

“Vishnuprayag Bandh Aapda Prabhavit Sangh” wrote a letter to Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand and District Forest Officer Mr. Rajeev Dhimanji about this continuing violation demanding “necessary steps to stop this, otherwise we will be left with no other choice but to stop this wrong doing on our own.” This letter was signed by Kishor Panwar, Navin Chowhan, Nikhil Panwar, Govind Panwar and others.

They wrote in the letter that this violation has been published in various newspapers and TV channels many times. On 29^th November, 2013 the District Forest Officer went to examine the site. He told us that in October the forest department fined the JAYPEE Company Rs. 1 lakh. He also said that, District Forest Officer is responsible to decide the amount of the fine.

There has been no change in the condition of the above specified area from October till now. Instead, the JAYPEE Company is violating the environmental standards and depositing the debris everywhere, including the river Alaknanda. It seems, as if they have bought the license of violating environmental standards by paying the Rs. 1 lakh fine. From 29^th November till today no move has been made by the District Forest Officer Rajeev Dhiman to stop this.

The Central Environmental and the Forest Ministry and the Government administration of Uttarakhand is not taking any action against this which is quite surprising to us. Matu Jansagthan also filed a case in National Green Tribunal on environment violation done by the project proponent of Vishnupryag HEP. The interim order in the last hearing on 20 November, the National Green Tribunal says -

“Despite service, nobody is present on behalf of Ministry of Environment and Forests (for short ‘MoEF’). It is strange phenomenon that despite oral directions, letters written to the MoEF and the matter being mentioned in the Meeting where Joint Secretary, Mr. Surjit Singh was present, nobody is appearing on behalf of the MoEF in the case. Presence of MoEF in this matter, which is of very serious consequences in relation to dumping of muck in the river Alaknanda, is essential before the Tribunal. It may be noticed that despite service and information, Counsel are not appearing in number of cases. Let Joint Secretary, Mr. Surjit Singh, who is dealing with the affairs of National Green Tribunal, be personally present in this case on the next date of hearing and shall produce the records in the case.”

And JAYPEE Co. has not yet filed their reply in this case. They are taking more time. It shows that they are playing their tactics to delay the matter. This is a major question which is related directly to the future of the affected areas.

On the international day for Human Rights we declare we will fight from ground to court for justice.

Vimalbhai, Dinesh Panwar

जेपी कंपनी अलकनंदा की हत्या बंद करों: लोग स्वंय कदम उठायेंगे

हरित प्राधिकरण का आदेश अगली सुनवाई में पर्यावरण मंत्रालय के सह-सचिव स्ंवय आये

जेपी कंपनी द्वारा उत्तराखंड में अलकनंदा नदी पर विष्णुगाड बांध परियोजना में पर्यावरण मानको का उल्लघन जारी है। यह स्ािापित सदस्य है कि अलकनंदा नदी पर कार्यरत विष्णुगाड बांध परियोजना में 16-17 जून, 2013 में परियोजना प्रायोक्ता जेपी कंपनी के द्वारा बांध के गेट ना खोले जाने के कारण बांध जलाशय में पत्थर और मिट्टी आदि भर गये थे और फिर लगभग 1.5 किलोमीटर लम्बी झील बनी और फिर टूटी जिसके कारण बाध्ंा के नीचे के गांवों में बहुत क्षति हुई थी। साथ ही इसमें बहुत बड़े स्तर पर पर्यावरणीय क्षति भी हुई। जिसकी भरपाई की भी कोई योजना नही है।

लोगों द्वारा लगातार धरना प्रदर्शन और सरकार को बताने के बाद भी जेपी कंपनी के द्वारा बांध खाली करने की जल्दी में मलबे को आस-पास के क्षेत्र बिना किसी भी तरह के पर्यावरण मानकों का ध्यान रखे डाला जा रहा है। बांध के नीचे के क्षेत्र की भविष्य के लिये सुरक्षा को भी नही देखा जा रहा है।

विष्णुप्रयाग बांध आपदा प्रभावित संघ ने इस बारे में मुख्य वन संरक्षक, उत्तराखंड और चमोली जिला वन अधिकारी श्री राजीव धीमान जी को पर्यावरण मानको के उल्लघंनों पर पत्र लिखा है। जिसमें यह मांग की गई है कि ‘‘तुरंत कार्यवाही के तहत कदम उठाने की मांग करते है वरना हमें मजबूर होकर स्वंय यह गलत काम रोकना होगा।‘‘ पत्र पर नवीन चौहान, किशोर पंवार, गोविंद पंवार, अखिल पंवार व अन्य के हस्ताक्षर है।

उन्होने पत्र में लिखा है कि यह उल्लघंन कई बार विभिन्न दैनिक अखबारों और टी. वी. चैनलों पर भी दिखाये जा चुके है। 29 नवंबर, 2013 को जिला वन अधिकारी श्री राजीव धीमान जी स्वंय मौके पर गये। बातचीत में उन्हांेने बताया की अक्तूबर में वन विभाग ने जेपी कंपनी पर एक लाख रुपये का जुर्माना लगाया था। जुर्माने का आधार स्वंय जिला वन अधिकारी पर निर्भर करता है ऐसा उन्होने बताया।

किन्तु अक्तूबर से आज तक परिस्थिति में कोई अंतर नही आया हैै। बल्कि जेपी कंपनी तेजी से पर्यावरण मानकों का उल्लंघन करते हुये मलबे को नदी समेत सब जगह फेंक रही है। ऐसा लगता है कि एक लाख रुपये देकर उन्होने पर्यावरण मानकों के उल्लंघन का लाईसेंस ले लिया हो। 29 नंवबर से आज तक जिला वन अधिकारी श्री राजीव धीमान की ओर से इस पूर्णरुप से गलत कार्य को रोकने की कोई कार्यवाही नही हुई है।

केंद्रीय पर्यावरण एंव वन मंत्रालय और उत्तराखंड शासन-प्रशासन का इस पर कोई कार्यवाही ना करना बडे़ आर्श्चय विषय है। माटू जनसंगठन ने राष्ट्रीय हरित प्राधिकरण में जेपी कंपनी द्वारा किये जा रहे पर्यावरण मानकों के उल्लंघन पर केस दायर किया है। 20 नवंबर को सुनवाई के बाद अपने अंतरिम आदेश में न्यायाधीश स्वतंत्र कुमार जी की अध्यक्षता वाली पीठ ने कहा की अलकनंदा नदी में मलबा डालने जैसे गंभीर विषय पर भी पर्यावरण एंव वन मंत्रालय की ओर से किसी वकील के ना आना आश्चर्य है। अगली तारिख पर उन्होंने मंत्रालय के राष्ट्रीय हरित प्राधिकरण संबधी सह-सचिव श्री सुरजीत सिंह को इस केस से संबधित रिकार्ड के साथ हाजिर रहने का आदेश दिया।

जेपी कंपनी ने भी इस केस में कोई जवाब दाखिल नही किया वो जवाब में जानबूझ कर देरी कर रहे है। दूसरी तरफ झील खाली करने का काम तेजी से चालू है। यह प्रश्न लोगो व क्षेत्र के भविष्य से सीधा जुड़ा है। हम न्याय मिलने तक जमीन से लेकर न्यायालय तक लड़ेगे।

विमलभाई       दिनेश पंवार

प्रैस विज्ञप्ति 8-11-2013

उत्तराख्ंाड में दूसरी आपदा नही होने देंगे!

उत्तराखंड में मानसून के आरंभ में ही जो नुकसान हुआ है उसमें बांधों की बड़ी भूमिका है। राज्य सरकार ने लगातार बांधो में हो रहे पर्यावरणीय मानको की अनदेखी की है। जिसका परिणाम है कि इस आपदा में बांधों के कारण नुकसान की मात्रा काफी बड़ी। राज्य सरकार भविष्य में यह गलती ना दोहराये और बांध कंपनियों को उनके दोषों की  सजा मिले तभी उत्तराखंड का पर्यावरण और लोग सुरक्षित रह पायेंगे। हाल की बाढ़ में ये बांध असमय के बम साबित हुए है। टाईम बम का तो समय निश्चित होता है। किन्तु इन बांधों का कोई समय नहीं होता तबाही लाने के लिए।

16-17 जून की रात को बद्रीनाथ जी के नीचे अलकनंदागंगा पर बना जेपी कंपनी का बांध, दरवाज़े ना खोलने के कारण टूटा फिर नदी ने बांध के नीचे के क्षेत्र में भयंकर तबाही मचाई। लामबगड़, विनायक चट्टी, पाण्डुकेश्वर, गोविन्दघाट, पिनोला घाट आदि गांवों में मकानों, खेती, वन और गोविंद घाट के पुल के बहने से जो नुकसान हुआ उसका मुख्य कारण था समय रहते जयप्रकाश कम्पनी द्वारा विष्णुप्रयाग बांध के दरवाजे ना खोलना।

विष्णुप्रयाग बांध से कभी ग्रामीणों की आवश्यकता के लिए पानी तक नहीं छोड़ा जाता था। 2012 के मानसून में इस परियोजना के कारण आई तबाही में लामबगड़ गांव के बाजार की दुकाने बह गई थी। जे.पी. कंपनी ने मुआवज़ा नही दिया। विष्णुप्रयाग बांध की सुरंग के उपर चांई व थैंग गांव 2007 में धंस गये जिसके लगभग 30 परिवार आज भी बिना पुर्नवास के भटक रहे हैं।

इसी बांध के उपर जी.एम.आर. का अलकनंदा-बद्रीनाथ जविप (300 मेगावाट) प्रस्तावित है जिसके लिए वनभूमि का राज्य सरकार के वन विभाग ने 19 जुलाई तक हस्तांतरित नहीं किया था किन्तु वन कटान का काम द्रुतगति से चालू हो गया था। वो पेड़ व मशीनरी अलकनंदागंगा में बहे। जिसने नीचे के क्षेत्र में तबाही लाने में बड़ी भूमिका अदा की।

इसी नदी में विष्णुप्रयाग बांध से लगभग 200 कि.मी. नीचे, भागीरथीगंगा और अलकनंदागंगा के संगम देवप्रयाग से 32 कि.मी. उपर श्रीनगर में लगभग बन चुकी श्रीनगर परियोजना जविप (330 मेगावाट) के मलबे की वजह से बड़ी तबाही हुई। श्रीनगर परियोजना बिना किसी तरह से पर्यावरण स्वीकति को सुधारे या उसमें बदलवायें 200 मेगावाट से 330 मेगावाट और बांध की उंचाई 65 से 95 मीटर कर दी गई।

16-17 जून 2013 में उपर से आ रहे पानी से जलाशय का जलस्तर बढ़ने की परिस्थितियों का फायदा उठाकर श्रीनगर जल विद्युृत परियोजना की निर्माणदायी कम्पनी जी0 वी0 के0 के कुछ अधिकारियों द्वारा धारी देवी मंदिर को अपलिफ्ट करने का अपराधिक षडयंत्र रचा जो कि अगस्त 2013 में प्रस्तावित था। इस दौरान बांध के गेेट जो पहले आधे खुले थे उनको पूरा बंद कर दिया गया जिससे कि बांध की झील का जलस्तर बढ़ गया। बाद में पानी से बांध पर दबाब बड़ने लगा तो बांध को टूटने से बचाने के लिये जी0 वी0 के0 कम्पनी के द्वारा आनन-फानन में नदी तट पर रहने वालों को बिना किसी चेतावनी के दिये बांध के गेटों को लगभग 5 बजे पूरा खोल दिया गया जिससे जलाशय का पानी प्रबल वेग से नीचे की ओर बहा। जिसके कारण जी0 वी0 के0 कम्पनी  द्वारा नदी के तीन तटों पर डम्प की गई मक बही। इससे नदी की मारक क्षमता विनाशकारी बन गई। जिससे श्रीनगर शहर की सरकारी/अर्द्धसरकारी/व्यक्तिगत एवं सार्वजनिक सम्पत्तियंा बुरी तरह से क्षतिग्रस्त हुई।

अलकनंदागंगा की सहयोगिनी मंदाकिनी में छोटी से लेकर बड़ी जलविद्युत परियोजनाओं जैसे फाटा-ब्योंग और सिंगोली-भटवाड़ी का भी यही हाल हुआ। बांधों के निर्माण में प्रयुक्त विस्फोटकों, सुरंग और पहाड़ के अंदर बने विद्युतगृह व अन्य निर्माण कार्यों से निकला मलबा हाल की तबाही का बड़ा कारण बना। चूंकि इन सब कार्यो पर किसी भी तरह की कोई निगरानी का गंभीर प्रयास सरकार की ओर से नही हुआ। एक आकलन के अनुसार बांध परियोजनाओं 150 लाख घनमीटर मलबा नदियों में बहा हैं इस मलबें ने पानी की विनाशकारी शक्ति को बढ़ाया है।

विष्णुप्रयाग और श्रीनगर इन दोनों ही परियोजनाओं से हुई बबार्दी के बाद बांध कंपनी के व्यवहार में एक समानता थी। जे.पी. और जी.वी.के. कंपनी के किसी भी कर्मचारी अधिकारी ने आकर लोगों का हाल नहीं पूछा। सरकारी अधिकारियों का भी यही रवैया था। यहंा प्रभावित याचक और सरकार दानी बनी।
ज्ञातव्य है कि मात्र 10 महीने पहले उत्तराखंड में गंगा की दोनो मुख्य धाराओं भागीरथीगंगा की अस्सीगंगा घाटी और अलकनंदागंगा की केदारघाटी में अगस्त और सितंबर महिने 2012 में भयानक तबाही हुई। भगीरथीगंगा में 3 अगस्त 2012 को अस्सी गंगा नदी में बादल फटने के कारण निमार्णाधीन कल्दीगाड व अस्सी गंगा चरण एक व दो जलविद्युत परियोजनाओं ने तबाही मचाई और भागीरथीगंगा में मनेरी भाली चरण दो के कारण बहुत नुकसान हुआ। अस्सीगंगा के गांव बुरी तरह से प्रभावित हुये, छोटे-छोटे रास्ते टूटे, अस्सीगंगा घाटी का पर्यावरण तबाह हुआ जिसकी भरपाई में कई दशक लगेंगे। जिसमें मारे गये मजदूरों का कोई रिकार्ड भी नही मिला। मनेरी भाली चरण दो का जलाशय पहले ही भरा हुआ था और जब पीछे से तेजी से पानी आया तो उत्तरकाशी में जोशियाड़ा और ज्ञानसू को जोड़ने वाला मुख्य बड़ा पुल बहा। बाद में अचानक से बांध के गेट खोले गए, तब नीचे की ओर हजारों क्यूसेक पानी अनेकों पैदल पुलों को अपने साथ बहा ले गये। मनेरी भाली चरण दो के जलाशय के बाईं तरफ जोशियाड़ा और दाई तरफ के ज्ञानसू क्षेत्र की सुरक्षा के लिये बनाई गई दीवारें बुरी तरह क्षतिग्रस्त हो गई। ज्ञात हो कि तथाकथित सुरक्षा दिवारे, बांध का जलाशय भरने के बाद बनाई गई। इन दिवारांे को बनवाने के लिए लोगों ने काफी संघर्ष किया था। दिवारे पूरी नही बन पाई थी। इस वर्ष की वर्षा में जोशियाड़ा का सैकड़ो मीटर लम्बा और दसियों मीटर चौड़ा क्षेत्र भागीरथीगंगा में बह गया जिसका कारण काफी हद तक मनेरी भाली चरण दो का जलाशय ही है।

13 सितंबर 2012 को उखीमठ तहसील मुख्यालय के चार किमी के दायरे में एक साथ छः स्थानों पर बादल फटने की घटना से चारों तरफ तबाही मचा दी। यहंा एशियाई विकास बैंक यानि एडीबी द्वारा पोषित कालीगंगा प्रथम, द्वितीय और मद्महेश्वर जलविद्युत परियोजनाये बन रही है। इन परियोजनाओं के निमार्ण कार्य के कारण ही अनेक गांवो की स्थिति खराब हुई है।

टिहरी बांध झील में अस्सीगंगा के टूटे बांधों, सारा मलबा जमा है। यह बहुप्रचारित रहा कि टिहरी बांध से बाढ रूकी जो पूर्वतयाः बांधों से हुए नुकसान को ढापने की झूठी कोशिश है। वास्तव में बांध की झील को भरने के लिये 15 से 18 जून की तेज वर्षा से अब तक लगातार झील में पानी रोका गया।

जो बांध टूटे है उन बांध कपंनियों की चिंता है कि कैसे भी बांधों की मरम्मत का काम शुरू किया जाये। विष्णुप्रयाग जविप में जेपी कंपनी ने बिना किसी पर्यावरणीय मानको का पालन करते हुये बांध जलाशय की सफाई शुरु कर दी है। श्रीनगर में भी जीवीके कंपनी ने कोई अध्ययन या कार्य नही किया है। लोगो ने अपने आप ही घरों की सफाई की हैै। सरकारी व अन्य संस्थान की हालात वैसे ही है। जहंा-जहंा पड़ी मक भविष्य के लिये खतरा ही है। यही स्थिति अन्य बांध क्षेत्रों में भी है। अब ये बांध कंपनियंा सरकार से आपदा के तहत सैकड़ो करोड़ो रुपयों की मांग कर रही है। जबकि बांध कंपनियों ने सुरक्षा प्रबंधों को की पूर्ण अनदेखी की है। प्रश्न यह भी उठता है कि आज इस बबार्दी पर स्थानीय विधायक और बांध के समर्थन में खड़े होने वाले एनजीओ आदि मौन क्यों हैं?

हमारी मांग है किः-

1--निम्नलिखित बांधों की निर्माता कंपनियों पर उपरोक्त तबाही के लिये राज्य सरकार द्वारा आपराधिक मुकद्दमें कायम किये जाये।

1) अलकनंदानदी पर स्थापित विष्णुप्रयाग जविप, श्रीनगर जविप
2) अस्सी गंगा पर निमार्णाधीन कल्दीगाड जविप, अस्सीगंगा चरण एक व दो जविपं
3) भागीरथीगंगा पर बनी मनेरी-भाली चरण दो जविप
4) कालीगंगा पर कालीगंगा चरण एक व दो
5) मद्महेश्वर नदी पर मद्महेश्वर जविप
6) मंदाकिनी नदी पर फाटा-ब्योंग जविप व सिंगोली-भटवाड़ी जविप

2--पर्यावरण एंव वन मंत्रालय इन जलविद्युत परियोजनाओं की पर्यावरण स्वीकृतियों को रद्द करें।

दिनेश पंवार      रेनू पंवार      किशोर पंवार    प्रेमवल्लभ काला        विमलभाई

Another calamity should not be allowed in Uttarakhand

New Delhi, 8^th November, 2013, Dams had a major role to play in the destruction caused at the beginning of the monsoon. State government has regularly ignored the violation of environmental norms in the building of dams and related activities which has led to significant increase in the destruction caused by such dams during environmental calamities. People of Uttarakhand will be safe only if the central and state government does not repeat its mistake and companies involved in dam related activities are penalized for their wrong doing. Unlike the time bombs these dams do not have any fixed time to cause destruction.

On the night of 16-17 June the dam built by Jaypee on Alakhnanda river caused tremendous destruction in the lower areas because its doors were not opened. The reason for destruction caused to houses, forest and land in Lambagad, Vinayak Chatti, Pandukeshwar, Govindghat, Pinola ghat areas was that the doors of the Vishnuprayag dam built by JP company were not opened in time. No water was ever released from the Vishnuprayag dam for the needs of villagers. In the monsson of 2012 the destruction caused by this project flooded the shops of Lambagad village and no compensation was paid by JP company. Chai and Thaing villages situated above the Vishnuprayag dam tunnal had sunk in 2007 because of which 30 families from these villages are still not rehabilitated.

Just above this dam another dam by GMR of 300 megawatt is proposed for which the forest land was not transferred but felling of trees had started at a high speed and all such trees and machinery flowed in Alakhnanda which played a major role in causing destruction in the lower areas.

On same river Alakhnanda at Srinagar where an almost complete Srinagar Project (330 Megawatt) caused tremendous damage. GVK group is the builder of this dam. The capacity of Srinagar project was increased from 200 megawatt to 330 megawatt and its height was increased from 65 meters to 95 meters without any proper environmental clearances.

Taking advantage of increase in water level of the reservoir which was cuased by water coming from above, manegment of GVK hatched the criminal conspiracy of lifting Dhari Devi temple which was proposed for August 2013. During this time, the gates of the dam which were half open were all closed which caused an increase in the water level of dam’s lake. When the pressure on the dam increased because of excess water, GVK co. without warning the residents on the bank of the river opened the gates after which water in the reservoir flowed down with all force and flooded the muck dumped by GVK co. on three banks of the river. This enhanced the destructive capacity of the river by many degree.

It is to be noted that only 10 months back, immense destruction was caused in two main streams of Ganga, Assi Ganga ravine of Bhagirathi and Kedar ravine of Alakhnanada. Because of the cloud burst in Assi Ganga river, the under construction Assiganga phase I and II hydro power project caused destruction and similar destruction was caused by phase II of Maneri bhali hydro power project in Bhagirathi Ganga. Villages in Assi Ganga were badly affected as many small roads and ways were destroyed and the environment was damaged so badly that recovery may take decades. Many labourers killed in such destruction for which there exists no record. Reservoir of Maneri bhali phase II was already full and when water came with force from behind, it led to collapse of the bridge which connected Joshiyara and Gyansu. After this when dam gates were suddenly opened, thousands of cusec of water flooded many foot bridges. The walls built on the left and the right of were also damaged badly. It must be noted that these so called walls were constructed after the reservoir was completely full and even then it was constructed only after a long and hard struggle by the local people. This year a huge area of Joshiara flooded away in Bhagirathi Ganga. It may be argued that the cause of such flooding is primarily the full reservoir of Maneri Bhali phase-2  HEP.

On 13 September 2012, cloud bursts caused immense destruction in the 4 KM area of  Ukhimath Tehsil headquarters. At this place Asian Development Bank sponsored Kaliganga Phase 1 & 2 and Madhyamaheshwar HEP are being constructed. Conditions in many villages have deteriorated because of these constructions. All the debris from the broken dams of Assi Ganga is stored in the lake of Tehri dam. It is being projected to cover up the destruction caused by dams that flood stopped because of Tehri dam. In reality to fill the lake of the dam, rain water from 15 to 18 June was stopped.

The concern of the companies is to ensure that repair works Starts at the earliest, which has already been started in Vishnuprayag HEP by violating all environment norms. No action has taken yet by the GVK co. in the Srinagar HEP affected area, people are themselves try to clean muck from their houses. Government institutions and other private or public property is still under muck. At the same time these companies are also demanding hundreds of crores as compensations for the damages caused by the calamity when such companies had totally ignored all security norms. The story is the same for all  parts of the state.

Elected representatives and other NGOs supporting construction of dam are silent on the calamity and destruction caused by dams.

Our demands:-

A- Criminal proceedings should be initiated by the state government against the companies responsible for destruction done by following dams:

1.       Vishnuprayag HEP (400 MW), Srinagar HEP (330 MW) constructed on Alakhnanda river.

2.       Under construction Kaldigad HEP, Assi Ganga phase I and II HEP on Assi Ganga.

3.       Maneri-Bhali phase II HEP constructed on Bhagirathi Ganga.

4.       Kaliganga phase I and phase II constructed on Kaliganga.

5.       Madhyamaheshwar HEP on Madhyamaheshwar river.

6.       Fata-Byong HEP and Singoli-Bhatwari HEP on Mandakini river.

B- Ministry of Environment and Forest should rethink and cancel the Environment Clearances given in the state.

Dinesh Panwar        Renu Chowhan      KIshor Panwar      P. N. Kala          Vimalbhai

Press Note: 22-10-2013 Stop Environment violation in Vishnuprayag HEP (400 MW)

Environment violation in Vishnuprayag HEP

(400 MW), River Alaknandaganga

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/hydropower-project-flouting-environmental-norms/article5266612.ece



Bandh Katha 14 Environment violation in Vishnuprayag HEP (400 MW), 

River  Alaknandaganga      http://youtu.be/fmXP8SCiz8s

Bandh Katha 13  Destruction by Vishnupryag HEP on 16-17 June, 2013 

http://youtu.be/OUPGGIinbi0

On 16-17 June, 2013 Due to Vishnuprayag HEP (400 MW) a big flood washed away properties in Lambagarh, Pandukeshwar, Govindghat, Vinayak chatty, Pinola ghat villages and areas downstream. Properties included homes, hotels, livestock, forest, fields, and several others. Photographs of given below that establish the same. Other can be seen  It is very much established that the destruction in these villages has been caused by the Vishnugad HEP on Alaknanda.

Agitations are going on for the restoration of the villages and for the proper/full compensation of the losses occurred due to the calamity that occurred between June 16-17, when dam gates were not opened in time. Despite heavy rain, dam gates remained closed and this led to the devastating floods.

Four months have passed, but no inquiry has been set-up by any ministry. The situation is worsening. The Jaypee Group is removing all the muck/debris from the dam reservoir, but putting every thing in the Alaknandaganga river bed. please see the link http://youtu.be/fmXP8SCiz8s

These actions will create the conditions for another disaster.

Thus, dumping muck in the river is criminal activity for environment and sensitive ecology of the area. The act of dumping also puts villagers lives in danger. Downstream of this dam and in the same river due to Srinagar HEP on 16-17 June the muck which was dumped at the river bank ruined more then hundreds of private and govt. buildings.

In this very alarming situation Ministry of Forest and Environment has to take urgent action and stop the project proponents from dumping dabris in the Alakanndaganga. This will prevent future calamities in Alaknandaganga river basin and keep the threat at bay for people and the environment. 

Vimalbhai and Dinesh Panwar

Pictorial facts of Dam destruction. 

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Houses under threat of slide in Lambagad Village, just in downstream of Vishnupryag HEP. On Alaknandagana,

'Jaypee companies' the project proponent of Vishnupryag HEP made a temple in the middle of the River Alaknandaganga and made the river path narrow. That was also one of main cause of the destruction in Lambagad Village on 16-17 June, 2013

Pandukeshwer Village under threat of slide just in downstream Lambagad Village

Press Note-10-9-2013 (Hindi and English) आपदाग्रस्त उत्तराखंड में टी.एच.डी.सी. की मनमानी

T.H.D.C.'s Monopoly in a devastated State

Dharna and symbolic fast at District Magistrate office

 

Villages-houses-land in the entire Uttarakhand have sink by June disaster. In spite of this explosion experiment are being done by the working organization T.H.D.C. of the proposed Vishnugad-Peepalkoti Project (400MW) on Alaknanda river. The construction of the tunnel to the power house of the Vishnujgad-Peepalkiti Dam have affected the Harsari village, there are cracks in the houses, water sources have dried up and there is also a failure of the crops. People have protested the Dam. But the fact is, even after a time of ten years there is no solution to the problem of the affected. Dam companies are conspiring to trap people in fake cases.

That is why the affected- are sitting in fast before the state government and society. So that the monopoly of the dam company and the pain of people come forward. A new calamity by the dam company can not be tolerated in a already devastated State.

At Gopeshwer, outside of the District Magistrate office affected people were set on Dharna. Urban development Minster and Chamoli district In charge of Calamity operation Mr. Pitam singh Panwar along with vice President of state assembly met them and gave instruction to District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to withdraw the false cases form the peoples. Further they said we can not tolerate the ignorance of affected peoples rights.

This is to be noted that T.H.D.C has not got environment clearance from the state government for the Vishnugad-Peepalkoti Dam yet. According to the August 13, 2013 Supreme Court order by Justice K.S. Radhakrishna and Deepak Mishra :

http://courtnic.nic.in/supremecourt/casestatus_new/caseno_new_alt.asp.

We direct the MoEF as well as State of Uttarakhand not to grant any further environmental clearance or forest clearance for any hydroelectric power project in the State of Uttarakhand, until further orders.

We have regularly informed the District Magistrate of Chamoli of our problems, but, none have seen the disposal. World Bank official from Delhi regularly visited us, their pressure was also the same that we have to accept the dam if we need any of our problem to be addressed. Our demands are only that gives us our compensation and a guarantee harmless effect of Dams on us. Because of our movement the Dam company T.H.D.C. have silently changed the alinement of the tunnel passing beneath our land after and got an order from the District Judge of constructing a new tunnel. Everyone can understand this that tunnel and explosion are not any living being whose effect can be prevented by changing the path of them.

Our houses were already in dilapidated condition and because of these explosion houses get trembled, this situation is continually been informed to the DM/SDM, also SDM ensured us that he would send his officials in our village. We kept on waiting, then we informed by phone that there were continuous explosion since 11pm to 2am during the night, and we could not sleep out of fear, till today we are regularly demanding the stopping of the bomb explosion but there have been no hearing to ours. In these days when it is raining, there is land slide place after place and in that course the house of Mr. Tarendra Prasad Joshi got collapsed. This was investigated by the Revenue Department and Dam company T.H.D.C. and the Revenue Department have compensated the affected with Rupees Eighty Thousands. Can a house be constructed by only eighty thousand? Whether rest of the people should also wait for their house to be collapsed? Explosion is on and so is the problems of water-crops. Where should people go in circumstances?

At the time when the disaster is there, Dams have created a havoc the state. When the T.H.D.C have restarted the construction work of the tunnel it has again created terror in us and we are badly afraid of the results. Without the disposal of our problem the process of explosion is on, when we try to stop it, the company starts it again.

September 4, 2013 Incident

On September 4, 2013 when we went to stop the work then an employee of the project proponent Mr. Tikendra Kotiyal came out there where we on the road villagers were protesting, we all asked to stop the construction work. We informed him that he has already visited our houses and seen collapsed houses due to explosion. Listening to this he reacted very violently and slapped Narendra Pokhiyal and started showing his shoes, also, misbehaved with women and went past threating in name of Police. Later, after a short while he returned with Police, Chowki incharge informed us that is it is a big matter, you demonstrate before SDM office and accept compensations according to hatt village, we told him that we have informed the administration from time to time, and pleaded for our protection before him because working organization T.H.D.C. have put us in danger, which has already been informed to the administration.

Houses of the Harsari have collapsed due to explosions and are vulnerable to earthquake. T.H.D.C. is pressuring that people should accept the Dam otherwise they will suffer in the same manner in the future also. Whether the Dam companies have become able enough to do what they wish? Attempt was also made in the past to trap Narendra Pokhiyal in cases because he raises his voice.

Our problem must be disposed off, our human rights must be protected. That is why we-the affected- are sitting in fast before the state government.

Bindi Devi, Jasosi Devi, Anandlal, Narendra Pokhiyal, Brashraj Tadiyal, Vimal Bhai

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 आपदाग्रस्त उत्तराख्ंाड में टी.एच.डी.सी. की मनमानी
प्रभावितों जिलाधीश कार्यालय पर धरना व सांकेतिक उपवास

जून की आपदा में पूरे उत्तराखंड में जगह-जगह गांव-घर-जमीनें धसकी है। किन्तु फिर भी अलकनंदा पर प्रस्तावित विष्णुगाड-पीपलकोटी जलविद्युत परियोजना (400 मेवा) की कार्यदायी संस्था टी.एच.डी.सी. विस्फोटो का प्रयोग कर रही है। विष्णुगाड-पीपलकोटी बांध के विद्युतगृह को जाने वाली सुरंग निर्माण के कारण हरसारी गांव के मकानों में दरारें पड़ी है, पानी के स्त्रोत सूखे है, फसल खराब हुई है। लोगो ने बांध का विरोध किया है। नतीजा यह है कि लगभग दस वर्षो बाद भी प्रभावितों की समस्याओं का निराकरण नही हुआ है। बांध का विरोध इसलिये बांध कंपनी द्वारा झूठेे मुकद्दमों में फंसाने की कोशिशे जारी।

इसीलिये हरसारी के प्रभावित समाज-सरकार के सामने एक दिन के उपवास पर बैठे है। ताकि बांध कंपनी की मनमानी और लोगो की पीड़ा सामने आये। एक आपदाग्रस्त राज्य में टी.एच.डी.सी. द्वारा नई आपदा लाने को स्वीकार नही किया जायेगा।

गोपेश्वर में जिलाधीश कार्यालय के बाहर धरने पर शहरी विकास मंत्री एंव चमोली जिला आपदा प्रभारी श्री पीतम सिंह पंवार और श्री अनुसूया प्रसाद मैखुरी उपाध्यक्ष विधानसभा ने लोगो से मुलाकात की और जिलाधीश व पुलिस अधीक्षक को केस वापिस लेने के निर्देश दिये। उन्होने कहा की प्रभावितों के हितो की उपेक्षा नही की जायेगी।

ज्ञातव्य है कि अभी टी.एच.डी.सी. को विष्णुगाड-पीपलकोटी बांध के लिये राज्य सरकार से पर्यावरण स्वीकृति नही मिली है। 13 अगस्त 2013 को माननीय सर्वोच्च न्यायालय के न्यायाधाीश के0 एस0 राधाकृष्णन् और दीपक मिश्रा जी के आदेश के अनुसार

‘‘हम पर्यावरण एवं वन मंत्रालय के साथ साथ उत्तराखंड राज्य को आदेश देते हैं, कि वे इसके अगले आदेश तक, उत्तराखंड में किसी भी जल विद्युत परियोजना के लिए पर्यावरणीय या वन स्वीकृति न दें।‘‘

हमने चमोली के जिलाधिकारियों को लगातार अपनी समस्याओं से अवगत कराया है, लेकिन समस्याओं का निदान नहीं हुआ। विश्व बैंक अधिकारी बारबार दिल्ली से आये उनका का भी यही दवाब था की बांध स्वीकार कर लो समस्याओं का निराकरण हो जायेगा। हम लगातार यही कर रहे है कि हमारा मुआवजा दो और इस बात की गारंटी दो की हमारे पर बांध का कोई असर नही पड़ेगा। हमारे आंदोलन के कारण चुपचाप बांध कंपनी टी.एच.डी.सी. ने हमारी जमीन के नीचे से निकलने वाली सुरंग का रास्ता थोड़ा बदला और जिलाधीश जी को देकर नयी सुरंग बनाने का आदेश ले लिया। हर कोई इस बात को समझ सकता है कि सुरंग और विस्फोट कोई जीव जंतु नही जिनके रास्ता बदलने से उनका प्रभाव बंद हो जायेगा।

हमारे मकान पहले ही जीर्ण-शीर्ण हालत में है, भयानक विस्फोटों के कंपन से हमारे मकानों में कंपन होता है, जिसकी सूचना लगातार जिला अधिकारी/उपजिलाधिकारी को देते आये हैं, तथा उपजिलाधिकारी ने हमसे कहा था कि अपने कर्मचारियों को हम आपके गांव में भेजेंगे। हम सिर्फ इंतजार ही करते रहे, फिर हमने फोन से अवगत कराया कि लगातार रात 11 बजे से 2 बजे तक विस्फोट हो रहे हैं, हम डर के मारे घर में सोते वक्त बाहर आते हैं, आज तक हम लगातार विस्फोटों को बंद करने की मांग करते आये हैं, लेकिन हमारी कोई सुनवायी नहीं हुई। आज के समय में जब वर्षा से जगह-जगह पर भू-स्खलन हो रहे हैं हरसारी में श्री तारेन्द्र प्रसाद जोशी का मकान भी गिरा है। जिसका सर्वेक्षण राजस्व विभाग/बांध कंपनी टी.एच.डी.सी. ने आकर किया है तथा राजस्व विभाग से प्रभावित को मुआवजे के तौर पर अस्सी हजार रूपये भी दिये गये हैं जिससे कि मकान नहीं बन सकती है। क्या अस्सी हजार में मकान बन सकता है? क्या बाकि लोग भी मकान गिरने का इंतजार करे? विस्फोट जारी है, पानी-फसल मुआवजे की समस्यायें बरकार है। ऐसे में लोग कहंा जाये?

ऐसे समय पर जब आपदा आयी हुयी है प्रदेश में बांधों से भारी तबाही हुयी है, टी.एच.डी.सी. ने दोबारा से सुरंग निर्माण का कार्य शुरू किया है तो हमारे अंदर दहशत बैठी हुई है और हम बुरी तरह से डरे हुए हैं हमारी समस्याओं का निराकरण किये बिना विस्फोट जारी है, हम लगातार इसे बंद करते है तो कंपनी फिर शुरू कर देती है।

4 सितंबर 2013 की घटना

4 सितंबर 2013 को जब हम कार्य बंद करने गये तो टनल के अंदर से ठेकेदार के कर्मचारी कार्यदायी संस्था टी.एच.डी.सी. के कर्मचारी श्री टिकेन्द्र कोटियाल जी जहां पर सड़क में हम ग्रामीण विरोध कर रहे थे तो उपर आये, हम सभी ने कहा कि निर्माण कार्य बंद करो और हमारी मकानें तो आप ने स्वंय आकर देखी है जो कि ज़मीन पर विस्फोटों की वजह से गिरी पड़ी है, इतने में उत्तेजना में आकर उन्होंने नरेन्द्र पोखरियाल के बायें गाल पर थप्पड़ मार दी और जूता दिखाने तथा महिलाओं के साथ अभद्र व्यवहार करने लगे। साथ ही पुलिस की धमकी देकर चले गये। थोड़ी देर में पुलिस लेकर आ गये, चैकी इन्चार्ज ने हमसे कहा कि ये बहुत बड़ा मामला है आप धरना दो उपजिलाधिकारी के कार्यालय में तथा हाट के अनुरूप पैसे ले लो, हमने कहा कि हमने सारी सूचनायें समय-समय पर प्रशासन को दी है, महोदय हमारी सुरक्षा की व्यवस्था की जाय क्यांेकि कार्यदायी संस्था से हमें पहले से ही खतरा बना हुआ है जिसकी सूचना हमने पहले ही प्रशासन को दी है।

विस्फोटों से हरसारी के मकान क्षतिग्रस्त हैं भूकंप की संभावना बनी हुयी। टी.एच.डी.सी. का दबाव है कि लोग बांध स्वीकार कर लें नही ंतो आगे भी इसी तरह के परिणाम भुगतने पड़ेंगे। क्या बांध कंपनियंा आज इतनी सक्षम हो गई है कि वो जो चाहे करे? नरेन्द्र पोखरियाल को पहले भी केस में फंसाने की कोशिश हुई थी चूंकि वो आवाज़ उठाता है।

हमारी समस्याओं का समाधान किया जाये, हमारे मानवाधिकारो की रक्षा की जाये। इसलिये आज प्रभावित समाज-सरकार के सामने एक दिन के उपवास पर बैठे है।

बिंदी देवी,     जसोदा देवी,     आनंदलाल,   नरेन्द्र पोखरियाल,       बृहर्षराज तडि़याल,   विमलभाई