NATIONAL CONVENTION

3rd and 4th JUNE 2008 at CHALAKUDY

ATHIRAPPILLY SATYAGRAHA CROSSES 100th DAY

Dear friend ,

As you are aware, an indefinite satyagraha is going on at Athirappilly demanding the scrapping of the proposed 163 MW Athirappilly HEP in Chalakudy river since 25th February 2008 . By this time more than 70 different social, political, environmental , youth based organisations from across the State of Kerala have participated in the Satyagraha and the support is growing. However, the Government has been ignoring the Satyagraha spearheaded by the Chalakudy River Protection Forum and the Athirappilly Action Council. Meanwhile, the two Public Interest Litigations pending in the High Court of Kerala are due for final hearing during the first week of June.

We are planning a National Level Convention on the 3rd and 4th of June when the Satyagraha crosses the 100th day.

The Convention intends to

Demand a 'WHITE PAPER' on the electricity scenario of Kerala before going ahead with the implementation of the project given the fact that the proposed Athirappilly Project is not an absolute necessity for meeting the power demands of Kerala with several other measures and options open before the government . Also it is a well known fact that the entire process of gaining Technical and Environmental Clearance for the project has been ridden with violations and manipulations.

Demand a 'RIVER BASIN LEVEL DIALOGUE' on the proposed proejct between the Government and all the different communities, departments and agencies dependent on and concerned about the well being and future of the Chalakudy River given the fact that no prior informed consultation on the project among the different river basin communities has been initiated by the Government or the Kerala State Electricity Board so far.

The Convention intends to bring together different grass root struggle movements, social, environmental and political groups supporting the satyagraha, delegates from the literary, art and film world, students and youth and children etc. with different sessions being planned for each of the different support groups.

The final schedule shall be communicated later.

Please consider this letter as our invitation to the two day convention with a demand declaration and press meet included . A memorandum with the above demands endorsed by all the participants shall be presented to the Chief Minister of Kerala after the convention.

Please intimate your willingness and travel plans by return e mail.

Don't forget to bring along/ send by post, Exhibition panels, posters, films , booklets etc on the struggles and movements of which you are part or supporting.

Let us remember that the future of a beautiful Western Ghats River depends on our concerted will power and compassion.

Warm regards,

Chalakudy River Protection Forum and Athirappilly Action Council

riverprotection@gmail.com

cholayar@rediffmail.com

Contacts

S.P.Ravi - 09249898773

A.Latha - 09847283120

S.Unnikrishnan - 91-487-2353021