PRESS RELEASE
Stop Eviction of Narmada Dam Affected People
The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India (CPI) issued the following statement to the Press:
The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India expresses solidarity with the struggling people of Narmada Valley and declares its unflinching support with them. The new phase of their struggle is to protect their right for resettlement and rehabilitation as promised by the government. It is part of their 32 year long struggle for existence.
The move of the government to increase the height of the dam from 122m to 139m has caused unexplainable misery to large number of people. 178 villages and a town will be submerged in Madhya Pradesh due to this move for so called development 40,000 families will be displaced. The CPI reiterates its position that development should take place not at the peril of poor and nature.
The Supreme Court deadline of July 31st is fast approaching and the rehabilitation measures are not even halfway. Thousands of poor people in the submerged valley will be displaced and thrown to extreme hardships in this rainy season. The governments are hiding the real situation regarding resettlement and rehabilitation from the court as well as the public. Hence, the CPl appeals the Supreme Court to entrust a fact finding mission and halt all further steps till the report is examined.
CPI urges upon the government to stop eviction, till foolproof alternative arrangement of shelter, drinking water, transport and other facilities are arranged for displaced families. Land for the landless and livelihood for the displaced is an undeniable right. Without that development will have no meaning.
(Roykutty)
Office Secretary
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National Alliance of People’s Movements
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