More than 200 concerned citizens, activists, academics, lawyers and people’s organisations from across India have appealed to national and Madhya Pradesh authorities to intervene in the ongoing protests by communities affected by the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh.
The appeal comes as the ‘Chita Andolan’ completes 25 days, with signatories demanding action over what they described as police violence against Adivasi protesters and seeking fair rehabilitation for families affected by the Majhgawan and Runjh dams.
According to the press note issued by the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice (NACEJ), All-India Rivers Forum (AIRF) and Delhi Solidarity Group (DSG), water levels have risen in some settlements affected by the Majhgawan Dam, resulting in the submergence of homes and agricultural land of Adivasi villagers.
The organisations alleged that instead of engaging in dialogue with protesting communities, the administration used force against Adivasi women and men during the last week of September and arrested several activists. Those named in the statement include Amit Bhatnagar of Jai Kisan Sangathan, Divya Ahirwar and Hisabi Rajput.
The signatories also expressed concern over Bhatnagar, stating that his fast while in state custody had entered its eighth day. They called for the protection of the rights of small farmers and Adivasi communities affected by the river-linking project.
Letters have reportedly been sent to the chairpersons of the National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Women and Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission, as well as the Union Ministers for Tribal Affairs and Water Resources, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and the state's Water Resources Minister.
The signatories have demanded the immediate release of arrested activists and an end to what they termed repressive measures against the movement. They have also sought land- and livelihood-based rehabilitation, housing with civic amenities and compensation for all eligible affected families, based on fair surveys.
Among their other demands are implementation of provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013; Forest Rights Act, 2006; and Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
The groups have further called for an independent inquiry into the police action against peaceful Adivasi protesters, as well as an inquiry into alleged corruption in the rehabilitation process. They have sought legal action against those found responsible, including under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The appeal also calls for a comprehensive review of the social, ecological, environmental and hydrological costs and benefits of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project.
Among the prominent signatories named in the press note are activists and academics including Medha Patkar, Prafulla Samantara, Ashish Kothari, Shabnam Hashmi, Soumya Dutta, Prof. Roop Rekha Verma, Prof. Bhangya Bhukya, John Dayal, Dr. Aditya Nigam, Shripad Dharmadhikary, Arundhati Dhuru, Dr. Navsharan Singh and Dr. Sagari Ramdas, among others.
The organisations said they stood in solidarity with the affected communities and urged authorities to address their grievances through lawful dialogue and ensure that the rights and livelihoods of project-affected families are protected.
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