Sunday, October 12, 2008

......IN SOLIDARITY FROM ANDHRA PRADESH

Dear Sir,

The natural beauty of Goa is dear to many across the world. Climate change and its effects on agriculture and ecology are already a great cause of concern to all. It is estimated that the biological diversity might be reduced in some of the world's most fragile environments, such as mangroves and tropical forests and hence reforestation and increase in soil carbon storage are suggested.

It is hence shocking to hear that clearances have been given by your high offices for the mining activities in Maina, Cowrem and Rivona and this even though in the public hearing majority of the people had said 'no to mining'. This makes the clearance an act against the will of the people, hence undemocratic and anti people. Mining activities in the area will create a devastating impact on the ecology and livelihoods of the farmers. People in the area have been resisting against forcible evictions, release of toxic wastes into local waters and springs, release of waste water into agricultural fields which created huge losses for farmers in the past and initiating mining activities in rich buffer zones of sanctuary areas.

On behalf of all the 400 organic farmers of our organization in Medak District of Andhra Pradesh, as president of the organization and as an individual concerned about the ecology of our nation, I demand immediate halt of mining activities in the area, withdrawal of charges against the innocent activists and initiation of police action against the goons who physically assaulted them.

I also demand the immediate release of the 10 activists of Mand Adivasi Resource Centre from Quepem Police Station.

Hoping that your ecological sensitivities and responsibilities will make you undo the act of clearance of the mining activities in Goa as well as motivate you to work in solidarity with the ecologically conscious activists of Mand Adivasi Resource Centre!

In ecological solidarity,

(Ms. Asha Kachru)

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