Hello Planeteers!
Thanking for signing the petition on Stopping the hydropower project in Arunachal’s bio-diverse Dibang Valley.
I would like to update you on the process of our petition. We have received more than 6,000 signatures in a week. I’ve have been consulting a few lawyers on how we can take the matter up to the court.
The current trouble being faced is that we are unable to gather scientific information from an organization approved by the court. Yes, I know this seems very frustrating as there there are so many articles on the rich bio-diversity. We are still looking. If you could help please reach out. If we offer a half baked petition to the court it will be dismissed, even worse they could levy a hefty fine on me for wasting the court’s time. So it’s important that our case is strong.
I investigated further and found that many controversial projects are in the pipeline of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoFEC). They are really not bothered about the environment; they seem to be on a spree since the lockdown processing numerous sensitive projects, like mining uranium in the middle of Telegana’s Tiger reserve.
During the lockdown, the Ministry considered 31 proposals in all, 16 of which related to highways, transmission lines and railway lines through national parks, sanctuaries and tiger corridors. And all 16 proposals were approved! We are looking at a loss of about 10-15 lakhs trees in a total and devastating impact on the biodiversity of our country.
Do not lose hope, that is exactly what they want.
Our only way forward is to challenge the Forest Conservation Act (1980) which permits such rampant abuse of nature. Public sentiment, awareness drives and protests seem to be one way to attract attention, especially through social media.
I’ve created a Facebook Group which I want you to join. Then together we can build a network of active passionate Planeteers to bring forth the world we want to see!
This is not the end, but a beginning!
Naturally Yours,
Roshni Ali
theroshniali@gmail.com | www.roshniali.com
JOIN FB GROUP: Environment Activist Network India
Oh! And keep sharing the petition - Will update soon!