Announcing&nbsp; Science in Society #44 - Winter 2009

Excellant piece of information Kisanbhai and Priya.Thanks and regards

Arun Dike

--- On Wed, 11/18/09, Kisan Mehta <kisansbc@...> wrote:

From: Kisan Mehta <kisansbc@...>
Subject: [prakruti] Re: Where Suvarna Jala fails, Chickmagalur schools leap ahead
To: "Shree Padre" <shreepadre@...>, "Prakruti" <prakruti@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: espadre@..., "Harshad Kamdar" <kanukamdar@...>, "priya salvi" <pripriya70@...>, "Suresh Mehta" <shashisuresh@...>, "Shashi Mishra" <shashi_mishra@...>
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 7:56 AM

Thanks to Shree. Semdimg forward to warm friends.

Best wishes.

Kisan Mehta Priya Salvi

************ ********* ********* ********* ***

On 11/18/09, Shree Padre <shreepadre@gmail. com> wrote:

http://www.indiatog ether.org/ 2009/nov/ env-schoolrwh. htm

KARNATAKA RAINWATER HARVESTING/SCHOOLS

Where Suvarna Jala fails,

Chickmagalur schools leap ahead

It's a classic headline: "Government-funded rainwater harvesting for public schools goes wrong, money wasted". However in one district, the tale is altogether different. Shree Padre records the positives and the lessons.

The badly implemented roof harvesting scheme in Karnataka schools is probably a best example to show how not to do it. Instead of being a model of rain water harvesting for the local community, the so called Suvarna Jala scheme has given an impression that the concept of is not worthy.

Quite in contrast, those done in Chickmagalur district spell quality. Students are happily using the rainwater. When not is use, important parts of these systems can be kept locked. Moreover, these are insured against theft.

Under Suvarna Jala scheme started in 2007, Karnataka Government released Rs.73.66 crores for providing rooftop rainwater harvesting structures to rural government schools. Out of 45,337 schools in the state, 23,683 have been reportedly identified under this scheme. So far 20,760 schools have been provided roof top rainwater harvesting at an estimated cost of Rs.5 crores.

Last year, Arghyam, a Bangalore based NGO that is becoming well-known in the water conservation scenario, has conducted a efficiency survey of this scheme in seven districts. In Chamarajanagara, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Dharwar, Gadag and Tumkur districts, out of 1269 structures completed, only 140, a dismal 11 per cent was functional.

It gets worse. The First Flush separator was present and working in only 49 per cent of the installations, filters were present and filled with filter media in 43 per cent, 26 per cent of the tanks were leaking, 52 per cent of the tanks either didn't have taps at all or the provided taps were not working, and only in 45 per cent cases the gutters were functional and tightly held.

Based on their survey, Arghyam had made several recommendations to the state government to execute the rest of the scheme in a result-oriented way. Unfortunately, not much by way of positive developments have come about later.

In the backdrop of this disappointing picture, the roof water harvesting systems done in 268 schools in Chickmagalur district stand out. “We were keen on quality. In Suvarna Jala all the work was entrusted to the government owned Nirmithi Kendra. We gave this work to a private firm. There was lot of resistance in the beginning”, recalls Sundara Naik, CEO, Chickmagalur ZP, “but later the protests melted down.” The average cost of the system is Rs.32,000 to Rs.62,000 depending on the tank size.

Starting from the gutter pipes upto the hand pump, all the materials used in Chickmaglur schools are of high quality. Instead of nails, coach and anchor bolts are used to fix the clamps to hold the gutters. The gutters and fittings are very sturdy. The ‘L’ and ‘U’ clamps are made locally and are galvanised.

Explains Vijay Raj, one of the partners of the Bangalore-based Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems who executed the works: “We have given clamps for every two feet length of gutters so that even if students handle it roughly, it won’t be dismantled. In schools where iron anglers were there, we have sent the welding machine with generator to weld the clamps to the anglers to ensure that there can’t be any tampering.”

Both the filter and hand pump, named ‘Rainy’ (efforts to patent the system are on), are made by this firm. The filter design is such that that separates any leaves or floating material upto 200 microns before entry itself. The hand pump is rustless.

One of the main drawbacks of government projects is lack of efforts to make the stakeholders to own it up. Apart from providing an informative pictorial user’s manual, Farmland RWH Systems made efforts to involve students and parents to see the construction stage first hand and understand the intricacies.

Another problem in schools is mishandling, damage and theft by miscreants during vacation period and non-working time. To prevent this, both the filter and pump has locking facility. Above all, it is insured with the National Insurance Company. Schools have to pay a premium of Rs.100 every year for this.

The real delight is in the water itself. “The rainwater is sweeter than our tap water. The difference is noticeable. Though we don't have water shortage, during power failures, etc., we use rainwater for drinking and cooking the midday meals. In fact, students prefer this water”, says H K Omkarappa, Headmaster, Kuvempu Centenary government model Higher Primary School, Chikmagalur. They have been using the system since the last one year.

After the completion of a year, recently, the agency’s representatives have visited all the schools and obtained a certificate about its utility and good condition. “Though this condition is not there in our agreement”, points out Vijayraj, “we don’t want any school to suffer if there is any problem in the system.”

Representatives of Shimoga Zilla Panchayath had recently visited Chikmagalur to study the systems. Impressed, they placed an order with Farmland RWH for 200 schools. Forty-four out of these have already completed. ⊕

Contacts
Sundara Naik, CEO, Chickmagalur Zilla Panchayath: 094484 75556
Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems: farmland_rhs AT yahoo.co.in

--
Kisan Mehta                  Priya Salvi
Save Bombay Committee and Prakruti
Krishna Mansion, II Floor, 9, Mysore Colony
Opp. RCF Gate #2, Chembur Anik
Mumbai 400074, India.
www.savebombaycommi ttee.org
Kisan Mehta:   0091 9223448857
Priya Salvi:      0091 9324027494

#7530

From: "A.V.Shenoy" <shenoyav@...>
Date: Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:55 pm
Subject: EU agrees to strict climate directive for buildings - DW

avs_spe

Offline

Housing | 19.11.2009

EU agrees to strict climate directive for buildings

A thermal image of a house with a temperature scale next to it

Gro�ansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Red areas show where the house is losing the most heat

The future of the building industry looks a bit greener thanks to a directive that requires new buildings to be energy neutral. Government representatives have praised the measure, but environmentalists are on the fence.

Starting at the end of 2020, new buildings erected in the European Union will have to meet strict energy use guidelines. Representatives of the 27 EU member states meeting in Brussels agreed to the terms of the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive (EPBD) on Wednesday following extensive negotiations.

The EU directive will require building designs to have higher efficiency standards, allowing them to operate on very little energy. In addition, any power that would be required by the building must come from renewable sources.

Private buildings, which would include homes and businesses, will be required to meet the new standards after December 31, 2020. Public and governmental buildings must conform two years earlier.

Money saving measures

EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs welcomed the measures.

"Energy performance of buildings is key to achieving our EU Climate and Energy objectives for 2020, namely the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the achievement of a 20 percent of energy savings."

Bildunterschrift: Gro�ansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: New construction makes up 1 percent of all buildings in the European Union

Buildings are responsible for 40 percent of energy consumption and 36 percent of EU carbon-dioxide emissions, according to a statement released by the Energy Commission. It estimated that by improving energy performance, the EU could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 70 percent of the bloc's current Kyoto target.

In addition to this, the Commission estimates these improvements could save each EU household around 300 euros ($446) per year in their energy bills, while boosting the construction and building renovation industry in Europe.

Environmentalists on the fence

Environmental groups are divided on the new directive. Claude Turmes, who represents the Green party in the German parliament, called the agreement a "breakthrough," and added that there is no where in the world with such building standards.

The environmental organization WWF was, however, less impressed.

WWF acknowledged that new buildings will be at nearly zero energy consumption under the new European directive, and this energy should be supplied by renewable energy sources to a very significant level. However, the group was not impressed by the far-off deadline, it said in a statement to Deutsche Welle.

WWF added that new construction accounts for just 1 percent of all buildings each year and pointed out that the directive is missing clear targets requiring member states to renovate existing buildings in a specific time frame.

mrm/dpa

Editor: Sean Sinico

#7531

From: "A.V.Shenoy" <shenoyav@...>
Date: Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:57 pm
Subject: Climate scientists in Potsdam create models of a changing world - DW

avs_spe

Offline

Research | 20.11.2009

Climate scientists in Potsdam create models of a changing world

The Potsdam Institute for Climate Research

Gro�ansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: The Potsdam institute's researchers come from a variety of diciplines

At the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, some 300 scientists investigate the causes and consequences of climate change. It's not an easy task.

Climatologist Werner von Bloh nearly has to yell to make himself heard at work.

"This is the heart of the institute," he said, standing in front of six large cabinets, each the height of a man, at of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

Inside are 2,000 linked processors that make up the institute's mainframe computer, one of the fastest such computers in the world. Fast computing speeds are essential to climate researchers, whose main tools are highly complex computer models.

"We couldn't very well change the earth in order to test our assumptions," said Bloh.

But the models, no matter how much computing power they have behind them, still have their limits.

"There aren't really exact climate predictions," said Friedrich-Wilhelm Gerstengarbe, the institute's assistant director. "A climate model is an if-then machine, meaning that it makes certain assumptions, which can change over time, and then comes to a certain result."

Climate researchers can develop different possible scenarios, but then again, who can say how the world economy, political conditions or environmental technology will develop over the next ten or even 100 years?

And, no one can predict the levels of future CO2 emissions, the amount of global warming and its negative consequences.

Humankind, the unknown factor

Bildunterschrift: Gro�ansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Climate models take scores of variables into account

The 300 employees of the institute come from different disciplines. In addition to climate researchers, there are economists, political scientists, sociologists and others who bring their expertise to the field of climate change.

Uncertainty around the arc of future human development is not the only unknown in their calculations, climate models - if they aim for any kind of precision - depend on information on ocean currents, vegetation, ice sheets, the chemical make-up of the atmosphere and many other factors.

Complicating matters is the simple fact that scientists still don't fully understand all these factors, and that they all influence once another.

"Certain regions or processes react very sensitively to small climatic changes, and then those changes feed on themselves and grow stronger," said Anders Levermann, who conducts research on this so-called climate spiraling effect.

For example, the melting of ice sheets off the coast of Greenland, which are powerful reflectors, uncovers more and more surface area of the sea, which absorbs more and more heat from the sun.

The thawing of the permafrost in Siberia releases large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas. But the exact amounts, and the exact consequences of this phenomenon, no one knows.

Scrutinize and adapt

Bildunterschrift: Gro�ansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: The exact effects of climate change remain difficult to predict

Also, the scenarios painted by these complex climatic models are not consistent. While it is clear that climate change will lead to rising sea levels, desertification, extreme weather conditions and other phenomena, the dimensions of all this are still unknown. Projections on the rise in sea levels by the year 2100 is between 18 centimeters and 79 centimeters.

That means researchers are constantly scrutinizing their work and in certain cases, correcting conclusions. Two years ago, scientists thought that changes in Antarctica were not leading to sea level changes like those in Greenland. However, now it is known that the South Pole is losing ice as well.

According to Gerstengarbe, researchers' climatic models are getting increasingly exact.

"Nowadays, they're pretty accurate, and what's most important is that all the models, be they American, Chinese or German, are heading in the same direction."

The thinking now is that in the best-case scenario, the average global temperature will rise by 1.8 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. If current international efforts of limiting greenhouse gas emissions fail, that increase could be 6.4 degrees C. The consequences of such a radical rise are beyond even the best of today's climate models.

"We can't predict that," said Gerstengarbe. "Because probably chaos would reign and we could no longer react to the kinds of extremes we would see."

Author: Dennis Stute (jam)

Editor: Sean Sinico

#7532

From: Kisan Mehta <kisansbc@...>
Date: Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:02 am
Subject: Fwd: [globalnetnews-summary] Hidden Costs of Industrial Agriculture

kisangmehta

Offline

Interesting study.

Kisan Mehta Prya Salvi

---------------------

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: TradingPostPaul <tradingpost@...>
Date: Nov 21, 2009 11:45 PM
Subject Hidden Costs of Industrial Agriculture
http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/globalnetnews-summary)

Hidden Costs of Industrial Agriculture
http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/science_and_impacts/impacts_indus
trial_agriculture/costs-and-benefits-of.html
Union of Concerned Scientists

Much of the agriculture practiced in the United States today is
industrial-style agriculture. That is, farms are often very large, highly
specialized, and run like factories with large inputs of fossil fuels,
pesticides and other chemicals, and synthetic fertilizers derived from oil.
This industrial agriculture is sometimes considered a great success. But is
it? It has had large, complex effects on our environment, our economy, and
our urban and rural social fabric. A new awareness of the costs is
beginning to suggest that the benefits are not as great as they formerly
appeared.

Many of the costs of industrial agriculture have been hidden and ignored in
short-term calculations of profit and productivity, as practices have been
developed with a narrow focus on increased production. The research
establishment that underpins modern industrial agriculture has until
recently paid little heed to the unintended and long-term consequences of
these systems.

Damage to Natural Systems

Approaches to producing food must be measured partly by their impact on the
natural ("life support") systems that we depend on. The currently dominant
system of industrial agriculture – which voters and taxpayers have
unknowingly promoted and subsidized through ill-considered government food
and farm policy choices – impacts the environment in many ways. It uses
huge amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, often with little regard to
long-term adverse effects. But the environmental costs of agriculture are
mounting. Irrigation systems are pumping water from reservoirs faster than
they are being recharged. Toxic herbicides and insecticides are
accumulating in ground and surface waters. Chemical fertilizers are running
off the fields into water systems where they generate damaging blooms of
oxygen-depleting microorganisms that disrupt ecosystems and kill fish.
Unmanageable and polluting mountains of waste and noxious odor are the
hallmarks of industrial-style CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations)
for poultry and livestock.

Many of the negative effects of industrial agriculture extend far from
fields and farms. Nitrogen compounds from Midwestern farms, for example,
travel down the Mississippi to degrade coastal fisheries and create a large
"dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico where aquatic life cannot survive. But
other adverse effects are showing up within agricultural production systems
themselves -- for example, overuse of herbicides and insecticides has led
to rapidly developing resistance among pests that is rendering these
chemicals increasingly ineffective.

Economic Costs

Estimating the economic costs of industrial agriculture is an immense and
difficult task. A full accounting would weigh the benefits of the somewhat
lower prices consumers pay for food and the profits of agri-business
giants, including fertilizer and pesticide manufacturers, against the
health and societal costs of environmental pollution and degradation, for
instance.

Such costs are difficult to assess for a number of reasons. One difficulty
is our partial understanding of potential harms. A good example is the
potential for endocrine disruption that many pesticides appear to have.
Endocrine disrupters are molecules that appear able to mimic the actions of
human and animal hormones and disturb important hormone-dependent
activities like reproduction. More research is needed to determine the
extent of the health and environmental damage done by such compounds and
the relative contribution of agriculture and other sectors and activities.
And in some instances, such as water pollution and global warming,
agriculture is only one of several important contributors.

Among the many environmental costs that need to be considered in a full
cost accounting of industrial agriculture are

   * the damage to fisheries from oxygen-depleting microorganisms fed by
fertilizer runoff
   * the cleanup of surface and groundwater polluted with CAFO waste
   * the increased health risks borne by agricultural workers, farmers,
and rural communities exposed to pesticides and antibiotic resistant
bacteria

In addition, there are enormous indirect costs implicit in the high energy
requirements of industrial agriculture. This form of agriculture uses
fossil fuels at many points: to run huge combines and harvesters, to
produce and transport pesticides and fertilizers, and to refrigerate and
transport perishable produce cross country and around the world. The use of
fossil fuels contributes to ozone pollution and global warming, which could
exact a high price on agriculture and the rest of society through increased
violent weather events, droughts and floods, and rising oceans.

The full costs of industrial agriculture—including the hidden costs of
CAFOs revealed by UCS in the recent report CAFOs Uncovered—call into
question the efficiency of this approach to food production.

Agriculture at a Crossroads

It is time to transform agriculture into a sustainable enterprise, one
based on systems that can be employed for centuries -- not decades --
without undermining the resources on which agricultural productivity
depends. The question is how to do it. The choices are to stick with the
current system and adjust around the edges or to fundamentally rethink it.
UCS is aiming for the transformation of U.S. agriculture to a system that
is both productive and practical over the long-term. Apparent advantages of
the current, industrial approach – from high yields per acre, to chemical
industry profits, to profitable CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations),
to foreign sales by corporate giants like Sara Lee, ConAgra, and Cargill
– look very different when considered in the light of the health and
other problems the approach creates, as well as the many ways in which
consumers actually subsidize the destructive system with their tax dollars.

Sources

R. Drury and L. Tweeten, Trends in Farm Structure into the 21st Century,
American Farm Bureau Federation, citing USDA data, 1997. Environmental
Protection Agency, Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage: 1992 and 1993
Market Estimates, 8-9, 1994.
A.V. Krebs, The Corporate Reapers, Appendix C, "The Nation's 100 Largest
Farms," Essential Books, 1992.
P. Raeburn, The Last Harvest, Simon and Schuster, 37, 1995.
S. Smith, "Farming -- It's Declining in the US," Choices, 8-11, (1992).

Last Revised: 08/24/08

--
Kisan Mehta                  Priya Salvi
Save Bombay Committee and Prakruti
Krishna Mansion, II Floor, 9, Mysore Colony
Opp. RCF Gate #2, Chembur Anik
Mumbai 400074, India.
www.savebombaycommittee.org
Kisan Mehta:   0091 9223448857
Priya Salvi:      0091 9324027494

#7533

From: "Dr.V.N. Sharma" <vnsh44@...>
Date: Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:09 am
Subject: Endorse "Committee for Justice to Shamim"

vns44

Offline

Endorse "Committee for Justice to Shamim"

Posted by: "Shramik Sanghu" sasbetul@...

Sat Nov 21, 2009 6:03 am (PST)

Dear Friends
There is no progress made in the matter of Attack on activist and TISS assistant professor Shamim Modi's case. Even for CB, CID it is close and shut case. In last one month they have neither named the other accused in the FIR nor made any enquiry with them. We met DGP, A. N. Roy in the award function on 4th November and apprised him of the case. He promised full support but in last one week all our effort to seek appointment with has failed.
At every step of enquiry we found that the Police has manipulated with the evidences. They have even destroyed vital forensic evidences to the extend that they have switched the dress worn by Shamim at the time of attack. Shamim's Father's FIR was not registered even though he was the first one to reach the police station, after the attack with the requisite medical papers, and was there for two hours. All other manipulation, like doctoring of statements, we have dealt earlier. Mumbai HIGH Court forced the cop to apply section 307.
We all can not let the attack on defender and academicians life go untraced. We have spoken to many people and decided to form a " Committee for Justice to Shamim" Modi" . We request various groups working in Maharashtra and outside to endorse this committee.
On 27th November in the name of committee a March from August Kranti Madidan, Mumbai to Azad Maidan V T will be organized. The main demand of the march will be include concern police officer of Manikpur ( Vasai) police station's name in the FIR and make him co conspirator. OIn the Mach around three hundred people from MP and another three hundred from Maharashtra will participate.
For further information contact Sanju Sane 9819221239/ Anurag 9823864574.
Anurag

--
Dr.V.N.Sharma
Mob 9431102680,
Member, Secretariat & Member-Secretary, Organising Committee for Parliament Rally
All India Forum for Right to Education (AIF-RTE)
http://tinyurl.com/drvnsharma

"Those who have the privilege to know, have the duty to act." Albert Einstein

"The only thing necessary for Evil to Flourish is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke

#7534

From: "Dr.B.K.Sharma" <Gwalior.Hospital@...>
Date: Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:27 am
Subject: We seek your help and guidance.

Gwalior.Hospital@...

Dear friends,

I wonder if you can help us with your knowledge and skills.

We initiated Snehalaya at Gwalior as a home for disabled and destitute children, homeless women and the aged, so that all these neglected or oppressed by society or their relatives can live under one roof with love and dignity as a family, whereby these children get parents and vice versa. We are running our Snehalaya for more than three years, have 63 children there, mostly disabled or sick including CP, epilepsy, HIV etc., details on www.helpchildrenofindia.org.uk We also carry out integrated rural development work in surrounding villages with aims to educate and create awareness among people esp. to benefit children, women and the aged there, the most vulnerable, neglected and opressed there. We are adding a new school with vocational training facilities for 500 girls from surrounding villages to further these needs

We will be happy to support any of such girls or women and old people (independent able to care for themselves), from any where in India, and in fact we need these badly as mothers or parents for our children in Snehalaya. Our experiences tell us that though so many women and old people undergo life of oppression but still they are not willing to leave that life, even though we are willing to give them full support for all purposes with a new life with respect, love and dignity. Same holds true for people living with HIV. I do not know why is it so? I wonder if you can help us by publicising among maximum number of such women and the aged esp. the oppressed ones, who can avail these facilities and help us to provide a life with love to these children in Snehalaya- Our home with love.

Hoping for an early reply, I will be happy to discuss in details or answer any of your questions and provide further details if required, with regards,

Dr.B.K.Sharma,
For Gwalior Childrens Charity (Regd. Charity No. 1063694), Snehalaya Trust & GHECT (India),
14,Magdalene Road, Walsall, West Midlands. WS1 3TA (U.K.)
Tel. +44(0)1922 629842 Fax. 01922 632942 Mobile. 07729929982 (send sms if not answering or phone 00919425113822, I am possibly in India).
Email: Gwalior.Hospital@...

(alternative e mail: snehalaya.gwalior@...)
Website: www.helpchildrenofindia.org.uk and updates on http://gchvols.pbwiki.com

If you like to know details for work carried out from 1998 to 2007 and for reference visit, www.gwalior.hospital.care4free.net

To help and provide for poor, underprivileged, disabled and destitute esp. Children, Women and The Aged of Gwalior and Chambal region, one of the most deprived regions in India. All donations in UK, USA and India are exempted for tax as per rules of the country. Any help in cash or kind or by any means, however small is much appreciated. You can donate on line now visiting our website and click on 'donate'. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life from their own place or to work with us in India to help us in this Endeavour, including students and trainees. Just ask us.

#7535

From: Kisan Mehta <kisansbc@...>
Date: Sun Nov 22, 2009 11:01 am
Subject: Re: 200 more 'King Longs' to offer BEST ride - Hindu BL

kisangmehta

Offline

What is the need for importing buses from China? Why not patronise and use Indian buses? Should we export our job possibilities or outsource when our people are jobless? About 40% of our people are compelled to survive at Below the Poverty Line level.

Best wished.

Kisan Mehta Priya Salvi

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

On 11/22/09, Sujit Patwardhan <patwardhan.sujit@...> wrote:

Good that the BEST is augmenting their fleet but wasn't there a report in the media some time back that several KingLong buses had suddenly caught fire and bust into flames? Was the defect rectified or is someone suffering from memory loss?

--
Sujit

On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 7:43 AM, A.V.Shenoy <shenoyav@...> wrote:

Date:22/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/11/22/stories/2009112251020100.htm
200 more ‘King Longs’ to offer BEST ride

CHINA STEERS MUMBAI.

Rahul Wadke

Mumbai, Nov. 21 Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST) will be acquiring 200 air-conditioned buses from Chinese manufacturer King Long for Rs 110 crore, adding to its existing fleet of 143 ‘King Longs’ as they are called.

The new buses will arrive by March 2010, said Mr Uttam Khobragade, General Manager of BEST.

Mumbai’s public transport service operates 4,200 buses, ferries about 45 lakh commuters every day across the metropolis. The undertaking is also buying 800 non-air-conditioned buses for Rs. 210 crore. This purchase would be eligible for 50 per cent funding under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), which is also financing several other State-owned transport undertakings.

The air-conditioned King Longs that BEST already has operate on 14 routes, with tickets priced between Rs 10 and Rs 90. The popularity of King Longs can be gauged from the fact that BEST has virtually scrapped all its old AC buses in the last two years and replaced them with 143 King Longs. Only 13 of the older fleet remain and they are being phased out.

Mr Khobragade said King Long is one of the few manufacturers of CNG engine-fitted air-conditioned buses. CNG use reduces operating costs. King Longs also cost only half of, say, a Volvo or Mercedes vehicle.

“Depending on passenger demand, we will add more King Longs. If they want 1,000 King Longs we will give them that,” Mr Khobragade said. Already, there are King Long users clubs in the city.

Mr Khobragade said that sometimes King Long routes get only unidirectional commuter traffic but the service is still not running in the red.

BEST is one of the few viable public transport service operators in the world, being also a distributor of electricity in the city.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu Business Line

--
--------------------------------------------------------------------
“..each million we invest into urban motorways is an investment
to destroy the city“

Mayor Hans Joachim Vogel
Munich 1970

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Sujit Patwardhan
patwardhan.sujit@...
sujitjp@...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yamuna, ICS Colony, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411 007, India
Tel: +91 20 25537955
Cell: +91 98220 26627
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parisar: www.parisar.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--
Kisan Mehta                  Priya Salvi
Save Bombay Committee and Prakruti
Krishna Mansion, II Floor, 9, Mysore Colony
Opp. RCF Gate #2, Chembur Anik
Mumbai 400074, India.
www.savebombaycommittee.org
Kisan Mehta:   0091 9223448857
Priya Salvi:      0091 9324027494

#7536

From: "Dr.V.N. Sharma" <vnsh44@...>
Date: Sun Nov 22, 2009 1:14 pm
Subject: Missing 4 yr girl found in kerala...... Kindly forward to all you know

vns44

Offline

I recd this msg after 5 forwardings. Pl. do what is needed if you get some identification of the child and his original whereabouts.

vns

--- On Sun, 22/11/09, prem kumar <pk510pk@...> wrote:

Dear Friends,

The below 4 yrs. old baby name POOJA was kidnapped by a person at some place and now she is under Kerala Police custody. Since the baby could not communicate her identification clearly, Police is struggling to find her parents. The flg information was given by the baby which may or may not be correct also.. Requesting all to forward her photograph to the maximum people in India to identify her parents / relatives.

Hope this will cost only your time and will help one life.

Information given by the baby :

POOJA

Father's Name : Mr. Rajkiran
Mother's Name : Mrs. Munny Devi
Language : HINDI
Place : Nagaluppi (this was pronounced by the baby which Police could not find such a place. The place must be related to the mentioned name). She is having one younger Brother & Elder Sister.

Pls do not ignore this mail.
Kindly forward.
It will cost you nothing more than few minutes......
A life is at stake

You received this message from the elite and exclusive Yahoo Group "Indian Babe Group". [ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/indian_ babe_group ] Please forward this message to your friends

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.

--
Dr.V.N.Sharma
Mob 9431102680,
Member, Secretariat & Member-Secretary, Organising Committee for Parliament Rally
All India Forum for Right to Education (AIF-RTE)
http://tinyurl.com/drvnsharma

"Those who have the privilege to know, have the duty to act." Albert Einstein

"The only thing necessary for Evil to Flourish is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke

#7537

From: "A.V.Shenoy" <shenoyav@...>
Date: Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:17 am
Subject: India, Nepal to set up Pancheshwar Dev Auth - DD

avs_spe

Offline

Monday 23 November, 2009.

India, Nepal to set up Pancheshwar Dev Auth

India and Nepal have signed an agreement to set up Pancheshwar Development Authority for the execution of 6400 MW multi-purpose hydel power project for water utilisation between the two countries.

An agreement to this effect was signed by India�s water resources secretary Umesh Narayan Panjiar and Nepal�s Energy Secretary Shankar Koirala at the end of their three day long talks on sharing of water resources held at Pokhara in Nepal on Sunday.

Addressing a joint press conference, India�s Water Resources Secretary Panjiar said the formation of the Pancheshwar Development Authority will take forward the implementation of the Mahakali treaty between the two countries signed in 1996. (DD-22.11)

#7538

From: Kisan Mehta <kisansbc@...>
Date: Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:49 am
Subject: Fwd: The economics of agriculture under natural farming

kisangmehta

Offline

Dear Colleagues,

Subhash Sharma of Yavatmal, Vidarbha region ofMaharashtra has served the soil

so inspiringly and reverentially that the soil in response has so devotedly bestowed

upon Subhash its natural lavishness inreturn. It is rare that one comes across such a

perfect combination of a toiler and a giver.

His farm has become a place place of pilgrimage and learning in the midst of

Vidarbha a place notorious for farmer suicides in India.

Best wishes.

Kisan Mehta Priya Salvi

***************************************************
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Timbaktu Organic <organic@...>
Date: Nov 23, 2009 3:05 PM
Subject: [gmfreeindia] Re: [gmfreeap] The economics of agriculture under natural farming
: gmfreeap@googlegroups.com
Cc: gmfreeindia@googlegroups.com, swissaid-gmfree@googlegroups.com, hamarabeejbihar@googlegroups.com, corelabratdelhi@googlegroups.com

Kavitha garu,

Thank you very much for sharing this article.

Brahmesh

On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 10:34 AM, Kavitha Kuruganti <kavitha.kuruganti@...> wrote:

--- On Mon, 23/11/09, TWN News <news@...> wrote:

From: TWN News <news@...>
Subject: TWN Agriculture Info: The economics of agriculture under natural farming
To: "TWN Mailing List" <news@...>
Date: Monday, 23 November, 2009, 8:31

Title : TWN Agriculture Info: The economics of agriculture under natural farming
Date : 22 November 2009

Contents:
THIRD WORLD NETWORK INFORMATION SERVICE ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Dear friends and colleagues,

Re: The economics of agriculture under natural farming

In the article below, an Indian organic farmer recounts how his bitter experience with expensive and impoverishing Green Revolution techniques led him on the road to natural, organic farming. Natural farming has allowed him to reduce his costs, yet enhance production and become self-reliant.

The article was published in Third World Resurgence No. 230 (October 2009).

With best wishes,

Lim Li Ching
Third World Network
131 Jalan Macalister,
10400 Penang,
Malaysia
Email: twnet@...
Websites: www.twnside.org.sg, www.biosafety-info.net

The economics of agriculture under natural farming

An Indian organic farmer recounts how his bitter experience with expensive and impoverishing Green Revolution techniques led him on the road to natural, organic farming.

Subhash Sharma

SOIL, water and seeds are in fact the strength of farmers. I could understand this agro-economics only when I connected myself with this ground reality.

I have been in the farming profession since 1975 and during these years I have seen two faces of science in agriculture.

Destructive face of science

I started farming like others, applying plenty of chemical fertilisers and poisons and using hybrid seeds. During the initial years, there were indeed bumper crops but that could not be sustained for any length of time. Production from my farm started declining and the cost of cultivation started rising. Such a situation continued till 1994. This was the year when I adopted natural farming. Nature became my guru and started revealing the causes of reduced production on my farm during the previous nine years (1986-1994).

In the process of farming with chemicals I had destroyed almost the entire micro-organism population in the soil, trees, birds, seeds, water, soil and personal energy and that was what caused the reduction in the yields. Nobody should ignore or underestimate the importance of the aforesaid factors in farming. What unfolded on my farm was also happening with all the farmers like me in India. In the pursuit of increased production, the science of agriculture based on chemicals was adopted but it resulted in continuous lowering of production and damaged agro-economics. I question now: how can this science help the country achieve a higher rate of growth?

The greater consequence was the destruction of the agricultural environment. Increased mechanisation, which made human labour redundant, led to large-scale migration of rural people towards urban areas. The kind of urban living turned out to be worse than hell and gave rise to enhanced urban crime. Those who could not migrate turned into Naxalites and terrorists. Tackling them now is costing enormous amounts of public money. This is what happened to our human resource.

The loss of soils and water is another severe problem because that will lead to managing food grains and water from outside. This in turn will weaken us (India). One needs to remember that money is not the answer to all problems.

We have already lost our seeds and are being forced to depend now on genetically modified (GM) seeds which are harmful to human health as well as the environment. Such seeds are to be considered as 'terminator' seeds as they hardly germinate during the following season. Wherever farmers have adopted GM seeds the soils have deteriorated and many new diseases have started affecting the crops. Also, the rising atmospheric temperature has had its own damaging effect on production patterns. In the year 2008-09 my farm production declined by 25% but my profit doubled because of market forces (less availability led to increased prices). But this is not a good sign.

We certainly do not want an economic situation that results in farm produce going beyond the purchasing capacity of people. That is why change in agriculture is essential.

We need to change in order to protect and preserve our soils, water, seeds, environment and labour-power and to strengthen our economics. This is only possible if we can reduce our costs and yet enhance production.

Constructive science

When I first started natural farming, I did not really know much about it. But slowly nature became my teacher and taught me the science and economics of agriculture. I came to understand that this is the only constructive science under which all the constituents of nature are conserved and at the same time show gradual growth. In chemical-intensive agriculture the growth was the result of killing all others - a violent tendency - but this constructive science ended my violent growth and made me totally non-violent. In this non-violent regime I could visualise a strong economics which is in the interest of farmers as well as the entire human race. This reminded me of Mahatma Gandhi whose ideas could give pleasure only when brought into practice. Times will change but this theory of agriculture will remain intact.

This constructive science also made me fully self-reliant. This self-reliance made me strong by returning to me my power of the soil, water, seeds, environment and labour. Nature made me strong by giving me five avenues of success: 1) self-reliance of soils; 2) self-reliance in water; 3) self-reliance in seeds; 4) cropping cycle, and 5) understanding of labour.

Self-reliance of soils

This has strengthened my agro-economics. With my strong economy I have realised the potential strength of the agricultural economy of the entire nation. This self-reliance taught me love and now I do not need any kind of insecticide or chemical fertiliser input to my soil. Both these are managed by nature itself. The four constituents of nature which help this process are: a) the cow; b) trees; c) birds and d) vegetation.

a) The cow

In the year 1994, based on personal observation I developed a process of utilising fresh cow-dung, cow-urine, and jaggery (a local sugar). In Indian villages, fresh cow-dung diluted with water is traditionally sprayed on the open space about our houses (except in the rainy season). As the rains come the earthworms start coming out in plenty. This gave me the idea that if fresh cow-dung is sprayed in the fields, the number of earthworms will increase and thereby other micro-organisms as well. If we use cow-urine along with dung, the fungus of the soil can be controlled.

Following this, I placed one 200-litre drum for each acre, filled it with 60 kg of fresh cow-dung, 5 litres of cow-urine and 250 grams jaggery, and used this mixture (diluted with water) extensively on the fields. I named it Go-Sanjeevak, the application of which gave me better yields in the very first year itself. In four years the micro-organism population increased. In each square foot, 6 to 10 earthworms could be found. The increase in bacteria and earthworms demanded more feed, which was met by constituent no. 4, i.e., vegetation. The increases in earthworm and bacterial numbers resulted in less input cost along with better yields. This helped me to develop a new agricultural economics.

b) Trees

In the years 1990-92 I had realised that the temperature increase because of industrial pollution would certainly kill millions of plant species and living organisms within the next 40-45 years. For me, a farmer, this was a serious warning. To check the rise in temperature, I decided to plant trees. In one hectare I planted 2,000 wild trees to create a forest around me and in the remaining 11 hectares I planted bird-loving trees. These 150 trees included jamun, goolar, aam (mango), peepal, bargad, neem, imli, arjun, etc., and I brought them up as children. As these trees grew, my farm output increased and I could understand how the trees helped in agricultural production.

The trees control the rise in temperature. This is a great help for the growth of bacteria and friendly insects. The big tree-leaves which fall on the earth are converted into manure. As the trees increase, birds multiply and a new economics of agriculture is revealed.

c) Birds

The growth of trees within the farm increased the micro-organism population and the supply of good manure. Birds started multiplying. On observation I found each bird eats at least 50 destructive insects and contributes its excreta to the soil as manure. Where there is good vegetation this process goes on the whole year round. Within 8-10 years the number of birds increased to the thousands. You can imagine how many insects are being managed every day and how much manure is added to the soil. This also helped me to write a new economics of agriculture.

d) Vegetation

In 1994 I started using crop residues and the grasses of the farm back on the farm itself. Each hectare of my farm started getting around 25 metric tons of this wet biomass. This enhanced the micro-organism population within our farm, which in turn converted this biomass into manure and simultaneously controlled the fungus on the soils. Growth of microorganisms, earthworms, etc., made our soil porous, which helped plant roots to get oxygen and rain water. Millions of such micro-organisms in their lifetime help the soils and after their demise, they become top-quality natural manure.

In this way these constituents of soil self-reliance provided me with free manure, insect control and water, making my farming less costly and more productive. A new agro-economics was thus revealed.

A study of the large number of living organisms and creatures doing the work of soil self-reliance gave me the understanding that every living being on the earth plays an important role in the well-being of the human race. Soil self-reliance will solve problems related to temperature rise and scarcity of water.

Self-reliance in water

India has been blessed by nature with abundant water but a crisis is now developing. The change in agriculture technology in the 1960s resulted in immense use of water in farming along with chemical fertilisers as well as poisonous compounds. These destroyed and killed large numbers of insects and small creatures which used to make the soil porous and capable of absorbing water and thus recharging the groundwater table. Chemical-based farming caused rapid lowering of groundwater levels while the rainwater on the surface was allowed to flow through drains and rivers. Along with the rapid flow of rain water, useful soil also started getting washed away, affecting soil productivity enormously. The washed-off soil silts dams and irrigation reservoirs and gives rise to more and more water shortages and crises.

A large number of irrigation projects were built for developing agriculture but the growing urban population and industries forced the diversion of this enormous quantity of water away from farmers and agriculture. Water, on the other hand, is also being polluted by chemical-intensive agriculture as well as by the discharge of poisonous effluents from industries. Management of such harmful and unhealthy water is no easy task.

Planning should, in fact, have been done with a view to providing good potable and purified water to all citizens, helpful for healthy farming as well as human health.

Instead, as production of hydro-electricity increased, more and more groundwater was exploited for irrigation as well as for drinking purposes. The result was that in several states groundwater has declined to dangerous levels, thereby affecting ground temperatures as well. This situation is alarming because it directly affects crop productivity as well as human health.

Thus the destructive science promoted after 1960 polluted water and exacerbated the water crisis in a big way.

Ray of hope

I am sure if we change our agricultural policies even now we can get rid of the water crisis for ever. This I say because of my personal experience of adopting natural farming in place of the destructive science earlier pursued, which has provided a ray of hope and a path of comprehensive development in addition to solving the water problem.

Since I turned to natural farming, I have realised the importance of water. Now when I hold 100% water which falls on my farm and divert it underground, the soil is automatically saved from erosion. This tends to enhance productivity of the soil. Thus when I was able to hold 100% water on my farm, I realised that I had achieved self-reliance in water. In order to verify this I undertook a scientific study of my 12 hectares in the year 2003-04. This was as follows:

1. When one hectare of farm receives 1 cm rain, the total precipitation is 100,000 litres.

2. If rainfall during a particular year in that area is 100 cm, the total precipitation per hectare is 10,000,000 litres.

3. Thus a 12-hectare farm, like mine, receives a total of 120,000,000 litres of rain water.

4. On average 30% water evaporates from the surface, which means nearly 36,000,000 litres of water is evaporated.

5. The remaining 84,000,000 litres of water are diverted below ground, i.e., groundwater is recharged.

6. If we draw more water than this for irrigation, this means we are not self-reliant in water.

On my farm I have two bore-wells, each fitted with a 5-hp pump which draws about 36,000 litres of water per hour. Normally my pumps run for 800 hours per year. That means each motor draws 28,800,000 litres of water per annum. The two motors thus draw out 57,600,000 litres of water. Since I have recharged 84,000,000 litres of water in that year I have a net gain of 26,400,000 litres of water. This shows that I am fully self-reliant in water resource. In spite of drawing groundwater I am contributing 26,400,000 litres to the groundwater reserve.

In addition to the above, water was conserved by appropriate methods of cultivation following the contour system, sowing across the slope, natural absorption because of porosity of the soil, and digging 20ft x 10ft pits/ditches in each hectare to store rain or excess water. With this water I harvest 450 tons of vegetables and food grains while during the years 1975-86 the maximum production that I got was only 400 tons. My production from 1986 onwards started coming down and during 1990-94 it turned out to be only 50 tons. The cost of production continued increasing in those days till I was forced to abandon that system.

I adopted natural farming methods in 1994. Slowly, after realising the importance of Go-Sanjeevak, trees, birds, biomass and water and properly utilising them in my production, I was once again able to push the output upwards from 50 tons to 450 tons by the year 2000.

A new record was again set.

Output increases

My farming experience clearly belies scientists' claims that chemical fertilisers, poisons and hybrid seeds are the main factors behind higher production.

The increase in production seen from the introduction of chemical farming was essentially because of enhanced availability of water and energy. Prior to 1960 we lacked water as well as energy (electric power), natural farming was not properly developed while the increase in population continued. After 1960 water resources were created and availability of energy too went up. From 1975 onwards chemical-intensive farming was taken up on a large scale. In the beginning that showed higher production but by 2002 the production stabilised and thereafter started declining. In spite of our enhanced water capacity due to dams like Sardar Sarovar, the production kept on dwindling. Why that was happening was clear to me because of nature's teachings.

During the years 1986-94 why did my production come down? Cotton output was reduced from 30 quintals to 10 quintals, jowar from 50 quintals to 15 quintals, tomatoes from 350 quintals to hardly 5 quintals (because of mosaic infestation). As a result, my production declined from 400 to 50 tons. Despite available power, the same water quantity, and increased use of chemical fertilisers as well as pesticides, the production came down to 50 tons. The cost of running the farm was increasing but gains were dwindling. In 1994, the first year I turned to natural farming, I received 50 tons only but achieved savings in terms of much lower costs. By 2001, my farm production increased to 450 tons of vegetables as well as food grains. For this higher production, I am using the same power and water as before. Only the chemicals have been ousted.

Once farmers understand the techniques of natural farming, their agro-economics will become strong. Villages will have abundant water, the groundwater level will increase and the nation will become rich in water resources.

Thus I must say that agriculture demands major changes today. The new agro-economics based on natural agriculture can only benefit the farmers, society and the nation.

Subhash Sharma is an organic farmer whose farm is located at Yeovatmal in Maharashtra state on the west coast of India. He regularly addresses training colleges all over the country on organic farming.

--
KAVITHA KURUGANTI
Kheti Virasat Mission
Jaitu, Faridkot dist., Punjab

Phone: +91-9393001550

--
--
DHARANI FaM Cooperative
Chennekothapalli village
Anantapur district - 515101
Andhra Pradesh, India
Office Ph: 08559 - 202643,
Mobile Ph: 09490180954, 09966671407

www.timbaktu.org, www.timbaktu-organic.org

--.

--
Kisan Mehta                  Priya Salvi
Save Bombay Committee and Prakruti
Krishna Mansion, II Floor, 9, Mysore Colony
Opp. RCF Gate #2, Chembur Anik
Mumbai 400074, India.
www.savebombaycommittee.org
Kisan Mehta:   0091 9223448857
Priya Salvi:      0091 9324027494

#7539

From: "Dr.V.N. Sharma" <vnsh44@...>
Date: Mon Nov 23, 2009 2:28 pm
Subject: Fwd: [aifrte] Fwd: [ACB_india] Where are Indians?

vns44

Offline

May like to see below a comment by Prof Agnihotri on the subject

vns

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rama Agnihotri <agniirk@...>
Date: 2009/11/22
Subject: Re: [aifrte] Fwd: [ACB_india] Where are Indians?
To: aifrte@...

I fully appreciate the spirit behind this and honour it. But we do need to think what it really means to be an Indian and is there really any contradiction between being a Panjabi or a Kashmiri or a Hindu or a Muslim and being an Indian and being a world citizen and a 'human' being...in fact in being a part of the total cosmos...like multiplicity of languages and cultures, we also have a multiplicity of identities and we do need to respect them...after all we are the ones who even dared conceptualize

vasudhaiiva kuTumbakam...
rama.

From: Dr.V.N. Sharma <vnsh44@...>
Sent: Fri, 20 November, 2009 14:23:20
Subject: [aifrte] Fwd: [ACB_india] Where are Indians?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Abhinav Dhere <abhinavdhere@ yahoo.com>
Date: 2009/11/20
Subject: [ACB_india] Where are Indians?

To: "Anti Curruption Bureau (ACB group)" <ACB_india@yahoogrou ps.com>, IDC Vision <idcvision@yahoogrou ps.com>, Jaago India <JAGO-INDIA@yahoogro ups.com>, Vision India <vision-india@ yahoogroups. co.in>, Voice of India <voiceofindiagroup@ yahoogroups. co.in>, IndiaVision 2020 <India_Vision_ 2020@yahoogroups .com>

An American visited India and went back to America
?

Where he met his Indian friend who asked him
How did u find my Country
The American said it is a great country
With solid ancient history
And immensely rich with natural resources.
The Indian friend then asked.
How did u find Indians??
?
Indians??
Who Indians??
I didn't find or met a single Indian there in India.
?
What nonsense??
Who else could u met in India then??
The American said..
In Kashmir, I met a Kashmiri
In Punjab, a Panjabi
In Bihar, Maharastra, Rajasthan, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala:
Bihari, Marathi, Marwadi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayali
?
Then I met
A Hindu,
A Muslim,
A Christian,
A Jain,
A Buddhist
?
And many, many, many more
But not a single Indian did I meet

Now, think how serious this joke is...
The day would not be far off when indeed we would
Become a collection of nation states as some
Regional anti-national politicians want...
Fight back -
Always say I am Indian
Jai Hind

Please Forward this to as many Indians you can. Don't forget only Indians.

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.

--
Dr.V.N.Sharma
Mob 9431102680
http://tinyurl. com/drvnsharma

"Those who have the privilege to know, have the duty to act." Albert Einstein

"The only thing necessary for Evil to Flourish is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke

#7540

From: "Dr.V.N. Sharma" <vnsh44@...>
Date: Mon Nov 23, 2009 2:29 pm
Subject: Fwd: [ACB_india] Where are Indians?

vns44

Offline

May pl. see another comment from Sri Mallesh.

vns

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: sankasala mallesh <malleshou@...>
Date: 2009/11/23
Subject: Re: [ACB_india] Where are Indians?
To: "Dr.V.N. Sharma" <vnsh44@...>

Hello! Dr.V.N sharma,

Thanks for forwarding the message, Yes it is Hindu religion which spoiled the minds of the citizens of the country and divided them in the name of caste. The Indians identity now goes with his caste (which is divine) not only that society divided in to a graded unequal social system with religious sanctions. What American says he is partially true because no citizen claims that am a Hindu but for the people who claims to be upper caste. In the country there are 20 - 25% of the people are still kept out side the social system in the name of purity impurity, untouchability etc. Yes India reach in its tradition making all the animals as a sacred and performs Puja but not human being (Dalits) so this is the identity of majority of Indians.
Still a Dalit identity is Indian but not Hindu, so your Jai Hind is not acceptable to forced Untouchables ------ Looking for socio-religious life affirmative system

On 11/23/09, sankasala mallesh <malleshou@...> wrote:

Hello! Dr.V.N sharma,

Thanks for forwarding the message, Yes it is Hindu religion which spoiled the minds of the citizens of the country and divided them in the name of caste. The Indians identity now goes with his caste (which is divine) not only that society divided in to a graded unequal social system with religious sanctions. What American says he is partially true because no citizen claims that am a Hindu but for the people who claims to be upper caste. In the country there are 20 - 25% of the people are still kept out side the social system in the name of purity impurity, untouchability etc. Yes India reach in its tradition making all the animals as a secred and performs Puja but not human being (Dalits) so this is the identity of majority of Indians.
Still a Dalit identity is Indian but not Hindu, so your Jai Hind is not acceptable to forced Untouchables.

On 11/20/09, Dr.V.N. Sharma <vnsh44@...> wrote:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Abhinav Dhere <abhinavdhere@...>
Date: 2009/11/20
Subject: [ACB_india] Where are Indians?
To: "Anti Curruption Bureau (ACB group)" <ACB_india@yahoogroups.com>, IDC Vision <idcvision@yahoogroups.com>, Jaago India <JAGO-INDIA@yahoogroups.com>, Vision India <vision-india@...>, Voice of India <voiceofindiagroup@...>, IndiaVision 2020 <India_Vision_2020@yahoogroups.com>

An American visited India and went back to America
?

Where he met his Indian friend who asked him
How did u find my Country
The American said it is a great country
With solid ancient history
And immensely rich with natural resources.
The Indian friend then asked.
How did u find Indians??
?
Indians??
Who Indians??
I didn't find or met a single Indian there in India.
?
What nonsense??
Who else could u met in India then??
The American said..
In Kashmir, I met a Kashmiri
In Punjab, a Panjabi
In Bihar, Maharastra, Rajasthan, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala:
Bihari, Marathi, Marwadi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayali
?
Then I met
A Hindu,
A Muslim,
A Christian,
A Jain,
A Buddhist
?
And many, many, many more
But not a single Indian did I meet

?

Now, think how serious this joke is...
The day would not be far off when indeed we would
Become a collection of nation states as some
Regional anti-national politicians want...
Fight back -
Always say I am Indian
Jai Hind

?
Please Forward this to as many Indians you can. Don't forget only Indians.

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.

--
Dr.V.N.Sharma
Mob 9431102680
http://tinyurl.com/drvnsharma

"Those who have the privilege to know, have the duty to act." Albert Einstein

"The only thing necessary for Evil to Flourish is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke

#7541

From: "kraig carroll" <thehavens@...>
Date: Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:33 pm
Subject: Fw: Rodale Institute Newsletter: Tracking impacts good and bad

thehavens@...

Tiny pesticide exposure during pregnancy can have long-term impact on female offspring

----- Original Message -----

From: kraig carroll

To: stopthepoisons@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 4:33 PM

Subject: Fw: Rodale Institute Newsletter: Tracking impacts good and bad

----- Original Message -----

From: Rodale Institute

To: Kraig

Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 2:07 PM

Subject: Rodale Institute Newsletter: Tracking impacts good and bad

Welcome to the Rodale Institute web update newsletter.

Hello Kraig: This update comes out as we�re preparing to make the case for organic farming�s role in carbon sequestration to world leaders at next month�s Copenhagen climate conference. To fight climate change impacts that are hurting food production in poor nations, agreements have to link these issues in soil-building ways.

This week: Warren Porter, Ph.D., explains research linking in utero exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos to learning disabilities and thyroid levels in mice. Krista Hozyash explains how federal incentives for volume of crops�rather than quality of soil management�leads to a real hurt on seafood and clean water in the gulf. Christine Ziegler Ulsh describes Rodale Institute research to help farmers who farm well document the soil carbon (humus-like materials) added to their soil..

fresh from the Rodale Institute

Ag pollution kills aquatic life in the Gulf, with resulting �dead zone� another displaced cost of �cheap food.�
Farmers have made improvements, but incentives drive high yield more than cropping systems that keep more fertility from flowing out to sea.

Making carbon crediting really work for farmers
Basic research lies at heart of knowing what leads to sequestration success.

in other news

Tillage, fertilizer results surprising in greenhouse gas crop check

Tim LaSalle in Huffington Post:
Dead Zones, Fertilizer and Personal Responsibility

Lupus, other autoimmune diseases linked to insecticide exposure

R O D A L E I N S T I T U T E

#7542

From: "A.V.Shenoy" <shenoyav@...>
Date: Tue Nov 24, 2009 2:16 am
Subject: Climate change: Country's stand based on principles of equity -DD

avs_spe

Offline

Tuesday 24 November, 2009.

Climate change: Country's stand based on principles of equity

The Government's approach to climate change is anchored on the UN Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Kyoto Protocol and the Bali Action Plan based on the principles of equity, the Rajya Sabha was informed.

Replying to a query on Monday, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, said country's stand was based on principles of equity and "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities," as laid down by such international initiatives.

He said in the international negotiations on climate change, developed countries have called upon the major developing nations like India to contribute to global efforts for mitigation through actions that will result in deviation from business as usual.

On another query, the environment minister said the state governments have been asked to prepare state level adaptation action plans on climate change consistent with the objectives of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Countrywide network for studies on climate change

A network of 127 institutions has been engaged countrywide for studies on various aspects of climate change, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told Rajya Sabha.

These institutions belong to various universities and research and development organisations from both public and private sectors.

Giving details of the network on Monday, Ramesh said it studies about the greenhouse gas emissions of anthropogenic origin from sectors such as energy, industry, agriculture and forestry.

"The finding of the study on climate change would be relevant for agriculture sector," Ramesh added.

(DD-23.11)

#7543

From: Kisan Mehta <kisansbc@...>
Date: Tue Nov 24, 2009 3:00 am
Subject: : India\'s workforce unskilled? Only 5 percent certified

kisangmehta

Offline

Dear Colleagues,

India's workforce that is pople in the condition can be assumed at 35% of the total population of over 100 crores. Out of which only %% that is 5 crores are certified and trained for the job as per the recent devlaration of the President of India. What a appalling situation.

This is the main reson for our low efficiency and low production comparaed to other countries of the world. A recent study shows that China the most populous country in the world accounts for 50% of the wealth creation among Asian countries. India the second most populous trails as second after Chhina at poor 13a % of Asia's wealth. And tiny Kore with 4.5 crore is has 11% trying to outwitwit India. What an appalling situation!

Our knowledge and skill is disappointingly poor. With a view to spreead knowledge among the ignorant and treat skills to our labour force, Save Bombay Committee (SBC) and Prakruti are proposing to launch a project 'Spreading Knowledge and teaching Skills through Distant Learning' in a few weeks time.

We need your support in money, volunteering in various capacities. We need to change this situation.

Best Wishes.

Kisan Mehta Priya Salvi

*********************************************

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Subject: Fw: India\'s workforce unskilled? Only 5 percent certified

SiliconIndia - Empowering Professionals

India's workforce unskilled? Only 5 percent certified

Thanks,
SiliconIndia

SiliconIndia is Top(Ranked 4th ) News & Media site for business, technology and VC news updates. Over 3 Million members get SiliconIndia Dailydose e-newsletter. Register now to start receiving Dailydose.

Disclaimer: If you wish not to receive emails from SiliconIndia, please click here
Info Connect WTI Pvt. Ltd. 124, Surya Chambers, Airport Main Road, Bangalore

--
Kisan Mehta                  Priya Salvi
Save Bombay Committee and Prakruti
Krishna Mansion, II Floor, 9, Mysore Colony
Opp. RCF Gate #2, Chembur Anik
Mumbai 400074, India.
www.savebombaycommittee.org
Kisan Mehta:   0091 9223448857
Priya Salvi:      0091 9324027494

#7544

From: "A.V.Shenoy" <shenoyav@...>
Date: Tue Nov 24, 2009 2:59 am
Subject: Solar fencing along select reserve forest peripheries - Hindu

avs_spe

Offline

Date:24/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/24/stories/2009112450170100.htm

Back

Front Page

Solar fencing along select reserve forest peripheries

Staff Reporter

Rs. 16 lakh sanctioned to execute the project

Stretches identified in Omandur, Pulivalam and Periyamalai

Measure being taken following plaints of animal infiltration into farms

TIRUCHI: In a bid to prevent animals from entering human habitations and damaging their agricultural fields, the Forest Department will embark on the task of erecting solar fence along the periphery of select reserve forests in the district shortly.

The department has identified certain stretches along the boundary of Omandur, Pulivalam and Periyamalai reserve forests for erecting solar fence to a total length of 10 km during the current financial year.

Funds to the tune of Rs.16 lakh have been sanctioned to execute the project. Solar fencing to a length of three km each would be erected in Omandur and Pulivalam, while the work would be executed to a length of four km in the identified stretch in Periyamalai reserve forest in Marungapuri.

The fencing work is to be carried out following complaints from villagers especially those residing along the periphery of the reserve forests that animals such as the Indian gaur (bison) and wild boar entered into their localities and damaged their agricultural fields.

The low voltage impulse from the fence will only act as a deterrent and not harm the animals in any way, says a senior official.

The department had constructed two water turfs inside the Thachamalai reserve forest near Thuvarankurichi to cater to the drinking water needs of the animals.

#7545

From: Kisan Mehta <kisansbc@...>
Date: Tue Nov 24, 2009 4:37 am
Subject: Fwd: [BIJLEE] 'Green' electricity for Bihar villages - Hindu

kisangmehta

Offline

Dear Colleaues,

See small people innovate to solve their problems!

Best wishes.

Kisan Mehta

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Date: Nov 24, 2009 8:31 AM
Subject:'Green' electricity for Bihar villages - Hindu

Date:24/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/24/stories/2009112455240900.htm

Back

Opinion - News Analysis

‘Green’ electricity for Bihar villages

N. Gopal Raj

A simple and strictly local power generation system has proved that rural Indian communities are willing and able to pay for reliable electricity.

Some seven years ago, two young men, chums from their days at boarding school, chatted over the Internet about what they might do for villages in their home state of Bihar. The company they went on to create has begun establishing small power plants driven by gases from rice husk, a widely available agricultural waste. There are big plans for the future.

From the very beginning, “we wanted decentralised production,” said Gyanesh Pandey, an electrical engineer who worked for the semiconductor industry in the U.S. at the time and returned to India two years back.

With a small power generation system, the distribution network could be simple and strictly local. This would keep costs down, which was essential for their venture to be financially sustainable.

They were clear too that they wanted to use an environmentally friendly form of energy, he said, speaking to this correspondent about the early discussions with his friend Ratnesh Yadav. (Later, another friend from his college days, Manoj Sinha, a microprocessor designer in the U.S., joined them.)

Wind would not produce electricity throughout the year. A few years were spent examining the possibilities of using organic solar cells and biofuels. But neither met their requirements.

Biomass was the only option left, remarked Mr. Pandey. In villages, no form of biomass was left unutilised. Rice husk was the one thing that the farming communities did not use. “So we decided to use rice husk.”

The system they engineered does not burn rice husk but heats it up instead. A clean-burning mix of gases is produced that drive an engine. The engine turns a generator that produces electricity.

Gasification is a very well-understood technology, he said. The gasifier could be made in a local workshop. A cheap engine was bought from a company in Agra and suitably modified.

In the early hours on Independence Day in 2007, the first such plant began to produce electricity.

Husk Power Systems, the company they established, now has 16 plants in place. Each plant generates between 35 kilowatts and 100 kilowatts of electricity. The power is being supplied to about 60 villages at present.

“Awesome” reception

Public reception has been “awesome,” he observed. As soon as a plant was put up, requests for connections came from people in the neighbourhood. “We don’t have to worry about the market .... or convince anybody about it.”

“It is pretty hard to make economical electricity at a very small level,” remarked Charles ‘Chip’ Ransler, an American whose previous experience was setting up a software firm. He too was roped in and is now the company’s Chief Strategy Officer.

But that is just what had been achieved, he pointed out. By using electricity supplied by the company, people could cut their costs on alternate forms of energy, such as kerosene, by as much as 50 per cent. Reliability of supply was another factor that attracted customers.

For the most part, the company was providing electricity in villages that were not connected to the power grid. The plants operated for only six to 12 hours a day, depending on local demand, he added.

The waste left after gasification too can be used. It was good manure and could also be burnt, said Mr. Pandey. Besides, it was rich in silica and could be sold to the cement industry.

Shell Foundation was impressed with the company’s performance and recently decided to provide a second round of funding for scaling up operations. The Foundation is an independent charity established by the oil and energy giant, Shell Group, and focuses on enterprise-based solutions to global poverty and environmental challenges.

“Husk Power Systems is using unique technology and processes to tackle the rural energy deficit in India in an environmentally and commercially sustainable way,” said Simon Desjardins, an analyst with the Shell Foundation, in a press release.

More than 40 per cent of the country’s population, living in approximately 1,25,000 villages, had no access to reliable electricity. Existing energy options in rural communities, such as diesel generator sets and kerosene lanterns, were polluting, prohibitively expensive, and logistically difficult to disseminate. Even those villages that did have access to electricity were often subject to frequent power cuts and shortages in power supply. This directly impeded their economic development.

This company was proving that rural Indian communities were willing and able to pay for reliable electricity and that Bihar represented a viable market in which to deliver modern energy services, he added. Each of its plants becomes operationally profitable within six months of starting.

Husk Power Systems wants to install 50 to 70 plants next year. It has an ambitious plan to have 2,014 plants up and running by the year 2014. The company would then be able to supply electricity to about one crore customers in over 4,000 villages, according to Mr. Pandey.

“Seems doable at this point,” he said cheerily.

--
Kisan Mehta                  Priya Salvi
Save Bombay Committee and Prakruti
Krishna Mansion, II Floor, 9, Mysore Colony
Opp. RCF Gate #2, Chembur Anik
Mumbai 400074, India.
www.savebombaycommittee.org
Kisan Mehta:   0091 9223448857
Priya Salvi:      0091 9324027494

2 of 2 Photo(s)

hindu_w150.gif

#7546

From: "R. Santhanam" <rsanthanam_delhi@...>
Date: Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:30 am
Subject: Fw: Rodale Institute Newsletter: Tracking impacts good and bad

rsanthanam_d...

Online Now

Tiny pesticide exposure during pregnancy can have long-term impact on female offspring

----- Forwarded Message ----

Sent: Mon, 23 November, 2009 23:54:44
Subject: Rodale Institute Newsletter: Tracking impacts good and bad

Welcome to the Rodale Institute web update newsletter.

Hello! : This update comes out as we’re preparing to make the case for organic farming’s role in carbon sequestration to world leaders at next month’s Copenhagen climate conference. To fight climate change impacts that are hurting food production in poor nations, agreements have to link these issues in soil-building ways.

This week: Warren Porter, Ph.D., explains research linking in utero exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos to learning disabilities and thyroid levels in mice. Krista Hozyash explains how federal incentives for volume of crops—rather than quality of soil management—leads to a real hurt on seafood and clean water in the gulf. Christine Ziegler Ulsh describes Rodale Institute research to help farmers who farm well document the soil carbon (humus-like materials) added to their soil..

fresh from the Rodale Institute

Ag pollution kills aquatic life in the Gulf, with resulting “dead zone” another displaced cost of “cheap food.”
Farmers have made improvements, but incentives drive high yield more than cropping systems that keep more fertility from flowing out to sea.

Making carbon crediting really work for farmers
Basic research lies at heart of knowing what leads to sequestration success.

in other news

Tillage, fertilizer results surprising in greenhouse gas crop check

Tim LaSalle in Huffington Post:
Dead Zones, Fertilizer and Personal Responsibility

Lupus, other autoimmune diseases linked to insecticide exposure

R O D A L E I N S T I T U T E

#7547

From: "kraig carroll" <thehavens@...>
Date: Tue Nov 24, 2009 10:54 pm
Subject: Fw: ClimateGate Totally Ignored By TV News Outlets Except Fox

thehavens@...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125883405294859215.html

----- Original Message -----

From: kraig carroll

To: stopthepoisons@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 5:53 PM

Subject: Fw: ClimateGate Totally Ignored By TV News Outlets Except Fox

----- Original Message -----

From: Juli

To: Juli

Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 5:55 PM

Subject: ClimateGate Totally Ignored By TV News Outlets Except Fox

Manipulated data & raging controversy. As Red Eye's Greg Gutfeld would say: check it out, check-it-outers. (In case you're missing it.)

Climate Emails Stoke Debate: Scientists' Leaked Correspondence Illustrates Bitter Feud over Global Warming

Wall Street Journal, November 23, 2009

ClimateGate Totally Ignored By TV News Outlets Except Fox

By Noel Sheppard

November 24, 2009 - 11:03 ET

The Obama administration has another reason to hate Fox: it appears to be the only national television news outlet in America interested in the growing ClimateGate scandal.

Despite last Friday morning's bombshell that hacked e-mail messages from a British university suggested a conspiracy by some of the world's leading global warming alarmists -- many with direct ties to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change -- to manipulate temperature data, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, and NBC through Monday evening have completely ignored the subject.

LexisNexis searches indicate that NPR appears to also be part of this news boycott.

By contrast, here are some of the stories news organizations apparently favored by the Obama adminstration have covered since ClimateGate broke:

ABC's "World News with Charles Gibson" Friday did a very lengthy piece about Oprah Winfrey ending her syndicated daytime talk show
ABC's "World News with Charles Gibson" Monday did a lengthy piece on new revelations involving the marital affair of Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.)
CBS "Evening News" Saturday reported a ten-year-old pianist playing at Carnegie Hall
CBS "Evening News" Sunday did lengthy pieces on the website FreeCreditReport.Com not being free and the movie "New Moon"
CBS "Evening News" Monday did lengthy pieces about defective drywall and a man who makes money wearing t-shirts
NBC "Nightly News" Friday reported on Switzerland's supercollider being turned back on
NBC "Nightly News" Saturday did a somewhat lengthy report on food carts
NBC "Nightly News" Sunday reported the release of British singer Susan Boyle's CD, and then followed it up with another report Monday on her promoting it.

It's not that these aren't valid news stories, but should they ALL be of greater importance than a scandal involving scientists from around the world including some employed by NASA and American colleges?

Also consider that the news divisions of ABC, CBS, and NBC broadcast many hours during the day besides their evening programs, and LexisNexis identified no ClimateGate reports in those either (through Monday).

As for CNN, it has been broadcasting for almost 100 straight hours since this story broke, and it appears the so-called "Most Respected Name In News" has yet to devote one second to this scandal.

By contrast, Fox News did at least four reports on this subject on Monday alone. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has also done multiple stories on this matter, as has BBC.Com.

Yet, despite the seriousness of this issue, as well as a prominent Senator calling for hearings to investigate it, America's television news organizations appear to be actively boycotting this growing controversy.

Is this a replay of how they ignored September's ACORN scandal for many days until they were basically forced to cover what had gone viral across the Internet, talk radio, and Fox News?

What is it going to take for these so-called news outlets to begin sharing this subject with their viewers?

On a humorous related note, ABC might not be interested in ClimateGate, but it still is devoted to spreading climate fear.

On Tuesday, ABCNews.Com's top story was, "Worse Than the Worst: Climate Report Says Even Most Dire Predictions Too Tame"

There's even less time for humanity to try to curb global warming than recently thought, according to a new in-depth scientific assessment by 26 scientists from eight countries.

Sea level rise, ocean acidification and the rapid melting of massive ice sheets are among the significantly increased effects of human-induced global warming assessed in the survey, which also examines the emissions of heat-trapping gases that are causing the climate change.

"Many indicators are currently tracking near or above the worst-case projections" made three years ago by the world's scientists, the new Copenhagen Diagnosis said.

Nor has manmade global warming slowed or paused, as some headlines have recently suggested, according to the report, which you can see here.

Well, at least ABC is consistent.

Readers are advised that of the cable news networks, only CNN produces transcriptions of all its broadcasts. With this in mind, it is possible that MSNBC has reported on ClimateGate during programs not transcribed. It is also possible that Fox News has reported on ClimateGate more frequently than addressed.

�Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2009/11/24/climategate-totally-ignored-tv-news-outlets-except-fox

#7548

From: "Dr.B.K.Sharma" <Gwalior.Hospital@...>
Date: Wed Nov 25, 2009 12:16 am
Subject: Christmas Greetings: Please help us on this Christmas and double your donations http://sne-school.yolasite.com

Gwalior.Hospital@...

SEASONAL GREETINGS

On behalf of Gwalior Childrens Hospital Charity (Help Children of India), I would like to thank you for your continued support and help. We take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas. We are presently adding a school to our "Snehalaya complex. We request your support again this Christmas to assist us complete the school project . Not only for "Snehalaya- the Home with Love" -- but with a capacity for 500 , it will also be for children from the surrounding villages, especially girls (who will become self-reliant and confident!) To learn more visit http://sne-school.yolasite.com

In December, your donation is automatically doubled!

There's never been a better time to donate.

We are participating in a new challenge by the Reed Foundation and have �50000.00 to be matched dollar for dollar (or Pound for Pound or any convertible currency in fact).

Whatever you donate on line (any amount from �5 to �5000) using your credit or debit card from 10AM on 7th Dec. 09, it will be doubled with a matching grant by the Reed Foundation and Trustees (until it runs out). We request you to donate as much you can -- starting from 10AM on 7th Dec.-- on line by clicking Hear

Special benefits for UK taxpayers

Tax payers in UK should give as gift aid donation which will increase it by 25% further for the charity with tax credits and high rate tax payers should not forget to reclaim further 25% from Inland Revenue in their tax returns.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need any further information or have any questions.

Please send this request to every one you know, with your recommendations and help us to make these girls independent getting them out of the life of oppression they have to undergo otherwise. We Look forward for your support,

Sincerely yours ,

Dr.B.K Sharma

For the family of "SNEHALAYA -The Home With Love" and Gwalior Childrens Hospital Charity.

14,Magdalene Road, Walsall, West Midlands. WS1 3TA (U.K.)
Tel. +44(0)1922 629842 Fax. 01922 632942 Mobile. 07729929982 (send sms if not answering or phone 00919425113822, I am possibly in India).
Email: Gwalior.Hospital@... ((alternative e mail: snehalaya.gwalior@...)
Website: www.helpchildrenofindia.org.uk and updates on http://gchvols.pbwiki.com

We have joined hands with EveryClick too for this Christmas. Today until Christmas using this link Send a Christmas card (or buy a voucher and help us - do it today and book a delivery date nearer Christmas) Everyclick Considerate Christmas

From December 11^th to 13^th people from all across the UK will be singing for Christian Aid. Join the campaign and help to raise a note or two for the world�s poor. Register now for free and you�ll be sent your FREE Sing-a-long Pack with everything you need to make your Big Christmas Sing a huge success. Gwalior Childrens Hospital Charity will receive �1 for every pack generated via our webshop. By registering you'll raise �1 for Gwalior Childrens Hospital Charity, you'll receive your FREE Sing-a-long Pack and you could be in with the chance of winning a pair of tickets to meet 3 times MOBO award winner Beverley Knight as she performs an exclusive set at the Natural History Museum. For any shopping for Christmas click on www.buy.at/helpchildrenofindia

If you would like to read more about the details of this matching grant, please visit http://www.thebiggive.org.uk/millionmatch/december/faq.php and here is the link for your donation on line on the big give using your credit or debit card at https://secure.thebiggive.org.uk/donate/donate.php?charity_id=1466

Disclaimer:

You are getting this mail from us as a supporter for GCHC having shown an interest for this work. If you do not want to receive updates or news from us, please reply with request to remove your name from our mailing list of supporters. Thanks for your help and support.

#7549

From: SREEDEVI L <l_sreedevi2001@...>
Date: Wed Nov 25, 2009 12:21 am
Subject: Organic or Bt on your plate - Intercative session -MNP-Mumbai-28th Nov, 4-6 PM

l_sreedevi2001

Offline

>  ORGANIC OR Bt ON OUR PLATES?
>
> Perspectives from
> farmers, environmentalists and consumers on what this means
> for our health and the environment.
>
> a film and
> discussion on GM food
>
>  
> Saturday, 28th
> November, 2009, 4 to 6 pm at the Maharashtra Nature Park,
> opp Dharavi Bus Depot
>
>  
> Dear Friends,
>
> What is all the fuss about genetically modified food and
> Bt brinjal? Just how much should you be concerned?
>
>
> At this juncture,
> when India is on the verge of approving Bt Brinjal, its first genetically
modified food crop
> – and many more are in the pipeline – Urban
> Leaves and Navdanya are organizing an
> event where you can:
>
>  ·  watch a film on the
> subject
>
> · talk to experts in the
> matter
>  ·  learn to protect yourself,
> your community and your environment
>
> ·  understand why the organic,
> Bt-free path is a far saner option
>
>  
> ‘Poison on  the Platter’ is a 30 min documentary film directed by
> Ajay Kanchan and presented by Mahesh Bhatt. It succinctly
> presents the health effects of GM food, the regulatory
> situation, and above all, asks us to be aware of what is in
> our food and to ensure the safety of our food.
>
> The film will be
> followed by a talk and discussion with Vasant Futane,
> Bharat Mansata,  and Devi Lakshmi
> Kutty,
>
>  
> Vasant Futane has been
> practising organic farming for 25 years in Amravati, and
> also actively promoting watershed management -- soil and
> water conservation -- for over a decade. He is familiar too
> with the serious problems faced by Bt cotton farmers of his
> district. 
>
> Bharat Mansata is
> an author- editor- activist  and a co-founder of
> 'Earthcare Books' (Kolkata), involved in
> environmental and sustainability issues for over two
> decades. He most recently authored ‘The Great Agricultural
> Challenge’ and ‘Organic Revolution’.
>
>
> Devi is a sustainable agriculture and food activist,
> associated with Thanal, an advocacy and research group for
> sustainable agriculture in Kerala.
>
>
> Please RSVP l.sreedevi@...
> or navdanyamumbai@...
> or call Devi at 9967712384 or Reetha at 9820058042.
>
>
> A suggested voluntary contribution of Rs 50 – to cover
> costs and to support our outreach work – is requested.
> Refreshments will be served.
>
> --
>
> Warm regards
> devi
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Warm regards
> devi
>
>
>
>
>

#7550

From: "R. Santhanam" <rsanthanam_delhi@...>
Date: Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:46 am
Subject: Skylines Beyond The Summit:) Announcing Science in Society #44 - Winter 2009

rsanthanam_d...

Online Now

Url: http://www.i-sis.org.uk/AnnouncingScienceinSociety44.php

Search date: 25th November 2009

ISIS Announcement 23/11/09

Announcing Science in Society#44 - Winter 2009

The Only Radical Science Magazine on Earth

Science in Action, In and For Society Subscribe here. Electronic versions of all issues of Science in Society can be found in theISIS members area. Membership details here

Skylines Beyond The Summit

Guest editorial from Alan Simpson MP

Summits that fail to deliver

Let us be clear about where we are now. The Copenhagen summit is more likely to be sabotaged, not by climate change denial, but by the history of self-deception that has characterised global summits.

Kyoto was seen as an Earth-saving agreement. In reality, pitifully few of those who signed up to it delivered on their commitments. In 1996, the World Food Summit in Rome pledged to cut the number of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition by half before 2015. The target was to reduce world hunger to less than 420 million people. In 2009, the World Bank calculated that the numbers had risen to over 1 billion.

In October 2009, European leaders agreed that by 2020 a sum of €100bn a year would have to be allocated towards tackling global warming, specifically in the developing world. The trouble was that no one could then agree who should pay for it. Collectively, the EU said only that it would seek to persuade others to share the bill. Poland and other East European states did not want to pay anything. The Germans fought hard to avoid any specific funding pledges. They wanted to see what the US, Japan and others would contribute. The Swedes and Danes (bless ‘em) were up for cash commitments, but, in the end, were forced to accept that others would sign up only to a fund that was ‘voluntary’.

Voluntary schemes drown in their own shallowness. Few of the rich nations will pay the levy, but that the poor will pay the price. So, the summit ended with another chasm that divided the press release from the practical solutions.

Global summits have become denial mechanisms around which current vested interests block any engagement with unstoppable forces that will reshape the future.

Energy

What Copenhagen ought to address is an almost fundamental reconstruction of global institutions and producing a framework of post-globalisation economics that lives within a maximum 2 °C increase in global temperatures.

Rajendar Pachauri, head of the International Panel on Climate Change, gives us about three years in which to deliver this policy shift, and the following seven years to make it work. Almost everything that follows will be shaped by transformations we make in the coming decade. Human existence has never been at a more critical turning point.

Saying this is not a counsel of despair. Never have we had so much at our fingertips that would make it possible for a genuine transformation of how societies work; living better, but living differently. It is just that we cannot get there through the current rules, markets and institutions that, between them, suck the life out of life.

Today’s energy markets are rigged in favour of Big Energy; global corporations, as dependant on their outown pollution as they are on state subsidies for dealing with it. UK households pay £3bn a year to manage the waste from nuclear power plants. Domestic energy bills will pick up the £2 bn cost of each ‘pilot’ carbon capture and storage (CCS) scheme. This cost will spiral if we want all CO₂capturing rather than just a bit of it. Practically and intellectually, it will turn out to be a scam within the ‘Carry on Polluting’ film that just keeps running.

It gets no better when you look at carbon offsetting or carbon emissions trading. Pollution permits worth billions of pounds are handed out (free) to the biggest polluters. The cost goes onto your tax or energy bill. The nuclear industry now wants another ‘hidden’ subsidy by asking the government to guarantee them a ‘floor price’ for carbon of at least $30 a tonne. Unless nuclear can get access to such a subsidy if cannot remotely break even.

You don’t have to get lost in the detail of this murky world. Just understand two things. The first is that we do not have a free market in energy. It is a market dominated by oligopolies with an over-riding enthusiasm for oligopolistic profits. The second point is that Big Energy has no interest in a shift into decentralised, renewable energy, particularly if it is owned by citizens rather than corporations.

Most energy companies hate the idea of paying citizens for ‘clean’ energy that we generate for ourselves. That is why there has been such opposition to ambitious feed-in-tariffs that could deliver 10-15 percent of our energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Germany already exceeds this figure and their citizens love it. By 2050 they intend to meet all of their energy needs from renewable sources. The UK could do the same. Some of this could come from technologies that are 20 years old (or longer). Others will need to harness today’s emerging technologies or science.

The key is to harness science and community together. When people are the common owners (or stakeholders) of their own energy systems it transforms the planning process. Energy security becomes a local priority when we have to deliver it ourselves. This is the lesson we have forgotten about in our own history. All of Britain’s founding energy companies, from 1817-1890, were locally and publicly owned.

Food

The same analysis needs to be applied to how we deliver food security. Siren (corporate) voices will argue otherwise. Monsanto is back offering Omega 3 rich Soya. (to save the world’s fish stocks). Remember ‘Golden rice’, that would end child blindness and drought resistant everything that would save Africa? The real agenda has never changed. Monsanto et al want to own the patents, charge royalties and end the farmers’ right to save their own seeds. It is about who owns the food chain rather than how to feed the planet.

Lasting answers to food security will come through conventional plant breeding to improve crops, combination planting to deal with blight and other diseases, localised market systems to reduce crop losses, a humbler relationship to water, and a more honest approach to population.

In Malawi, 100 000 smallholders have intercropped ‘fertiliser trees’ within their maize planting. This fixes nitrogen in the soil and had tripled maize yields. In Kenya, Napier grass was planted between corn crops to trap the corn borer, which had been destroying up to 30 percent of the crop. Dwarf plant varieties have successfully diverted the energy of plants from stem growth into grain yield. Localised markets have avoided huge crop losses, up to 50 percent, where there have been infrastructure problems of storage or transportation.

None of these solutions require the surrender of farmers’ rights to GM crops and corporate ownership. They do, however, force us to plan for their survival in a warmer, drier world. Even the South of England must face this challenge. At present, it has 10 times less available water per person than Spain. In future, it will have even less. Every one of us must become more reverential towards rainfall.

No less challenging will be the construction of a different relationship between land, water, crops and cattle. The World Watch Institute has just produced a report attributing 51 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions to livestock rearing. It does not factor in health impacts, water requirements or the energy inputs for each calorie of output. In the end, however, it may be peak water that forces our most urgent re-think about meat. Which brings me finally to ourselves.

Population

Population is the taboo area of global politics. Future scenarios talk of 9 billion people on the planet by 2050, without questioning whether this is remotely sustainable. James Lovelock argues that by ignoring this question, we will drive climate change to a point where the planet will only support 1 billion ‘survivors’ by 2100.

War is the ‘default’ position of population policies. In the absence of family planning, it obliterates families altogether. Peak water, peak soil, peak phosphates or peak oil could all simply change the terrain of slaughter.

A hint of this came in the recent tribal conflicts in Kenya. Their worst drought in decades saw tribes throughout Kenya fighting each other over the water that remained. The starkest example came after a dawn raid in Kanampiu. The press report said simply “When the shooting stopped 33 people lay dead, along with some 280 animals”. It was the animals that got to me. In conditions of scarcity, you don’t have to kill people, just the things their lives depend on.

In Yemen, the country has already run out of water. Water trucks, with drivers armed with Kalashnikovs, are the only source of sustenance in a land where even dreams are arid. For many, fight or flight becomes the desperate choice of survival.

For the rest of us, the implication is that we may have to reverse the hidden water transfers of recent decades. Cheap goods that the West imported drew on water resources for their production that developing nations barely had enough of. In the future, we will have to find imaginative way of returning the water. The alternative is to accept that tidal migrations of people will follow the water.

These stark realities ought to force the pace of transformation. Reducing over consumption in the West might make subsistence consumption possible for the rest. National food security policies must replace today’s global free for all. Localised energy systems can turn waste into energy (often with natural fertiliser and water) as a by-product. Ingenuity and interdependence can take us into a realm where sustaining and repairing the planet could deliver a future we can genuinely pass on to our children. Ultimately, there may be little else that matters.

Alan Simpson MP
Nottingham South, UK

Guest Editorial from Alan Simpson MP

Climate Showdown: 350 ppm CO2 The Target; O2 Dropping Faster than CO2 Rising
Implications for Climate Change Policies; Warming Oceans Starved of Oxygen; Black Carbon Warms the Planet Second Only to CO2; Beware the Biochar Initiative; The Age of Stupid Steers Towards 2010

Letters to the Editor

Pandemic Alert: Swine Flu Pandemic
To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate?; Flu Vaccines & the Risk of Cancer; Swine Flu Virus Created from Pig Vaccine?; Live Attenuated Swine Influenza Vaccine for Children
Safety in Question; CSL Pandemic Swine Flu Vaccine Safety in Question; Vaccines: Prevention or Curse?

Food Fight: UK Food Standards Agency Study Proves
Organic Food Is Better; The Day of the Triffid in Transgene Contamination

Renewable & Green: Edward Goldsmith Pioneer of the Green Movement Dies Aged 80; UK’S Lackluster Low Carbon Transition Plan; Germany 100 Percent Renewables by 2050; Wind Power Could Supply Global Electricity Needs 40 Times Over; Harnessing the Wind with Scrap; Kenya to Build Africa’s Largest Windfarm; The Community Cooker Turns Rags to Riches

The Institute of Science in Society, The Old House, 39-41 North Road, London N7 9DP
telephone: [+44 207 700 5948] [+44 20 8452 2729]

For email enquiries please see our contact details

MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT EXPLICIT PERMISSION. FOR PERMISSION, PLEASE CONTACT enquiries@...
(Permission obtained for e mail forwrds, referencing ISIS web site - Santhanam R.)

#7551

From: "kraig carroll" <thehavens@...>
Date: Wed Nov 25, 2009 4:36 pm
Subject: Fw: Links to articles in today's press about environmental health

thehavens@...

Daily links to top stories in the news about environmental health.

----- Original Message -----

From: kraig carroll

To: stopthepoisons@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 11:35 AM

Subject: Fw: Links to articles in today's press about environmental health

----- Original Message -----

From: AboveTheFold

To: thehavens@...

Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:14 AM

Subject: Links to articles in today's press about environmental health

Above the fold. News aggregated by www.EnvironmentalHealthNews.org

Don't miss the link to
today's good news

Read today's editorials

Inhaling human pathogens with cigarette smoke. Cigarettes contain hundreds of different strains of bacteria, including many human pathogens that may play a role in lung diseases and respiratory infections, new research shows. Environmental Health News
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/inhaling-human-pathogens-with-cigarette-smoke

African dust bringing toxic chemicals to U.S., Caribbean. Pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls are among the contaminants hitching an airborne ride to the United States and other parts of the Western Hemisphere on dust storms blowing out of West Africa. Investigate West
http://invw.org/2009/11/african-dust-bringing-toxic-chemicals-to-u-s-caribbean-is-it-killing-corals-hurting-people/

Study finds chemicals widespread in Minn. waters. Minnesota scientists say it appears endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals are found in even the most pristine lakes in the state. Minnesota Public Radio, Minnesota.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/11/24/water-quality-testing/

Lead, dangerous chemicals found in toys despite law. Despite a new law that bans six chemicals from children's products and lowers the lead limit for them, a public interest group has found a number of toys at major retailers that contain the chemicals and illegal amounts of lead. Washington Post [Registration Required]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/24/AR2009112401601.html

Federal judge sides with environmental groups in coal case. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated federal environmental laws by failing to give the public enough of a say before issuing permits for mountaintop removal coal mines in West Virginia, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Associated Press
http://wvgazette.com/News/200911240803

EPA proposes sulfur dioxide limits for first time since 1971. The Environmental Protection Agency is continuing its crackdown on coal pollution with a new plan to cut sulfur dioxide � a move that would clean up the air for millions of Americans and bring some relief to people who suffer from respiratory diseases. McClatchy Newspapers
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/311/story/79477.html

State proposes trading program to cut emissions. California officials on Tuesday issued the nation's first blueprint for a broad-based cap-and-trade plan, an innovative and controversial effort to use market forces to control global warming. Los Angeles Times, California. [Registration Required]
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-global-warming25-2009nov25,0,4880852.story

Climate science update: from bad to worse. The planet could warm by seven degrees Celsius (10.8 degrees Fahrenheit) this century, a figure that lies at the farthest range of expert predictions made only two years ago, according to a new study, the biggest overview on global warming since a landmark UN report in 2007. Agence France-Presse
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20091125-238204/Climate-science-update-from-bad-to-worse

Cutting global warming gases also has health benefit, studies show. Slashing carbon dioxide emissions could have immediate health impacts and save millions of lives, mostly by reducing preventable deaths from heart and lung diseases, new studies published in the Lancet show. Associated Press
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SCI_CLIMATE_HEALTH

Poll: Fewer Republicans and conservatives believe global warming is happening. The number of Americans who believe global warming is occurring has declined to its lowest since 1997. The drop has steepened in the last year-and-a-half � almost exclusively among conservatives and Republicans. ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/PollingUnit/Politics/global-warming-abc-news-washington-post-poll/story?id=9164306

Fortuna used deceptive tactics. Fortuna Energy used deceptive and misleading tactics in negotiating natural gas drilling rights with landowners, according to a recent investigation by the state Attorney General�s Office. Corning Leader, New York.
http://www.the-leader.com/news/x1682938497/Fortuna-used-deceptive-tactics

Dead Sea needs world help to stay alive. The Dead Sea may soon shrink to a lifeless pond as Middle East political strife blocks vital measures needed to halt the decay of the world's lowest and saltiest body of water, experts say. Agence France-Presse
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/dead-sea-needs-world-help-to-stay-alive-20091125-jpnw.html

India water demand set to double by 2030: study. India's water needs are set to double by 2030, which could dry up its river basins, according to new research released Tuesday that paints a grim picture for supplies across the emerging world. Agence France-Presse
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/India_water_demand_set_to_double_by_2030_study_999.html

Taiwan rethinks land use after killer typhoon. The death and destruction wreaked on Taiwan by Typhoon Morakot was a disaster waiting to happen, aggravated by decades of unrestrained environmental abuse, critics say. Agence France-Presse
http://www.terradaily.com/2007/091125024530.yw7c9m2m.html

DDT benefits outweigh risks, says Ntebela. Ministry of Health's principal Health Officer Davis Ntebela said that the benefits of using DDT outweigh the risks. However, research has shown that DDT, the perceived silver bullet solution for malaria protection, is extremely hazardous to unborn babies, especially boys. Gaborone Mmegi, Botswana.
http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=39&dir=2009/November/Tuesday24

China executes 2 for role in tainted milk scandal. China executed a dairy farmer and a milk salesman for their roles in the sale of contaminated baby formula - severe punishments that Beijing hopes will assuage public anger, reassure importers and put to rest one of the country's worst food safety crises. Associated Press
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/11/24/general-as-china-tainted-milk_7156900.html

Why there are BIG cancer concerns in 1 Arizona community. Of the 15 counties in Arizona, Yavapai County ranks in the top five for not only breast cancer, but lung and bladder cancers as well. Cottonwood Municipal Water System reports show 20 of the 21 wells in the city exceed federal limits for arsenic. Phoenix KNXV-TV, Arizona.
http://tinyurl.com/yfv3p2f

Turkey toxin? No thanks. Americans might be more than a little disconcerted to learn that they ate some poison with their turkey this Thanksgiving. At least Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills) is. He announced new legislation to ban the commonplace addition of arsenic-based roxarsone to food products. Port Jefferson Times Beacon Record, New York.
http://www.northshoreoflongisland.com/Articles-i-2009-11-19-82227.112114-sub_Israel_Turkey_toxin_No_thanks.html

Joel Salatin advocates a better way to raise food. On a foundation of Christian principles, Joel Salatin has built a farming ecosystem where cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and rabbits interact ecologically in a way that goes beyond conservation. Christian Science Monitor
http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2009/11/24/joel-salatin-advocates-a-better-way-to-raise-food/

Green brigade targets foam food trays. Environmentalists and green businesses are targeting foam food trays used to sell vegetables, fruits and meat in grocery stores. The ubiquitous trays are made from polystyrene and have a long shelf life in landfills. Reuters
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=143&art_id=nw20091124221746704C126212

Mobile apps help people track H1N1, prevent flu. Rumors of a disease outbreak a century ago probably would have left the general populace feeling frightened, wondering whether their town would be the next to be hit. Now they can download a flu-tracking application and find out where in their state an H1N1 outbreak has occurred. USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-11-25-new_fluapps23_ST_N.htm

More news from today
�>170 more stories today, including:
�MRSA on the rise
�Levees aren't enough
�Climate: Growth spurt at 4,650 years; Turbines take lesson from Lance Armstrong; Tourists beware: icebergs on the move
�A good guide for shopping
�Stories from Ireland, England, Denmark, Israel, S Korea, India, Australia, Canada
�US stories from NY, NJ, PA, SC, MN, WI, MI, IN, TN, LA, ND, TX, MT, WY, CO, OR, CA
�Some bars give smokers a sanctuary
�Editorials: How many sick kids does it take to get FDA to act?; Climate of denial

Shortcuts to stories from today about The good news, Avian flu, Katrina, Climate, Children's health, Air pollution, Cancer, Reproductive disorders, Endocrine disruption, Birth defects, Learning and developmental disabilities, Immune disorders, Environmental justice, Superfund, Water treatment/sewage, Food safety, Integrity of science, Green chemistry.

You can also read last weekend's news.

Plus: If you were on vacation last week, don't miss last week's top stories...

Would you like to display the news stories from EnvironmentalHealthNews.org on your own web site? Check out our RSS feeds.

Compiled by Environmental Health Sciences
421 Park Street, Suite 4 Charlottesville, VA USA 22902
www.EnvironmentalHealthNews.org
feedback@...

Having problems viewing this e-mail? View the newsletter online.

To ensure delivery to your inbox, please add AboveTheFold@... to your address book.

If you received this email from a friend and would like to start receiving our newsletter yourself you may subscribe here.

This message was originally sent to thehavens@.... You are receiving this e-mail because you have subscribed to receive AboveTheFold. To end your subscription unsubscribe here.

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (26)

#7552

From: "A.V.Shenoy" <shenoyav@...>
Date: Thu Nov 26, 2009 2:15 am
Subject: 'Bangalore should fight to retain Garden City tag' - Hindu

avs_spe

Offline

Date:26/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/26/stories/2009112660520400.htm

Back

Karnataka - Bangalore

�Bangalore should fight to retain Garden City tag�

Staff Reporter

Urban trees need careful nurturing to survive, says expert

Trees cannot grow on their own

BBMP to improve 183 lakes

BANGALORE: Providing a bio-aesthetic look for Bangalore with retention of green cover appears to be on the agenda of the town planners.

At a seminar on Beautification and Environment Development of Bangalore City, organised by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Lalbagh here on Wednesday, K.C. Sharma, former Director of Horticulture at New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), who delivered the keynote address, said: �Three cities in India � Bangalore, New Delhi and Chandigarh � have a garden city character, but they are losing it with shrinking parks and disappearing trees.�

Trees need care

�In urban areas, trees cannot be left to grow on their own. Branches need to be cut periodically to ensure their growth in a symmetrical way.�

Among other measures, he said: �Trees need to be washed, tree guards removed after a certain period and they should be ridden of parasites. Proper aeration should be provided to them.�

Breathing space

Trees in Bangalore were planted too close to each other, which restricts breathing space.

All these, he pointed out, were �small but very important steps� that could increase their lifespan.

Mr. Sharma said: �Some 90 per cent of the saplings die within a year of plantation. Trees need to be at least four to five feet tall to survive. Instead of planting lakhs of trees, plant 10,000 right and see the difference.�

Plans

BBMP Commissioner Bharatlal Meena said that there was a need to attach more value to Bangalore�s sobriquet of Garden City.

Reiterating BBMP�s makeover plans for the city, he said a survey was being undertaken to improve 183 lakes, and fencing work had already started.

He outlined BBMP�s interest in building theme parks in open spaces.

Souvenir released

Earlier, releasing a souvenir on developed parks, traffic islands and other horticultural activities of BBMP, Transport Minister R. Ashok said that funding was not a problem, but public support and awareness were needed to carry on such projects.

Chickpet MLA Hemachandra Sagar released BBMP�s brochure on parks.

#7553

From: jagrut nagrik manch movement <jnm.movement@...>
Date: Thu Nov 26, 2009 7:45 am
Subject: Kamala Raheja Park, NS 10th Rd, JVPD

vora.praful

Offline

It comes as a shock that the current Muni Comm. Rajeev is bent upon building a DP road right through the KR Park (near Bachhan old bungalow) and cut 'sooru' trees which act as a major sound absorbing barrier. �Some trees are already cut and some 133 more may get the axe at any time. �Replanting is not an option for this type of tree. �

The local Corporator Adolf D'Souza has objected to this citizen-unfriendly act and questioned the need for a road when already there are similar roads exiting on NS 10th Rd near by. �Such a road will only add to the obstruction to traffic on NS 10th Rd. �A fine park will be destroyed too. �As it is, the Ward tried to re-develop the Park under the guidance of the Corporator, yet now the regulator wants to oppose the wishes of the citizens from the area. �

The Citizens stand is verified and supported by the Architect P K Das too and yet the Regulator ... Rajeev is bent on doing the destruction. �There fore, be prepared to come on receipt of an SMS to physically oppose this mis-adventure of the Municipalty. �Be there to support the wishes of the public. �

Best wishes. �

--
Praful Vora, Convener - JNM. (Cell: +91 90 0401 7654)
JNM will work towards fundamental political, electoral and governance reforms.
Website: www.jagrutnagrik.com
Blog: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jagrutnagrik/
Message and Attachments checked free of virus and worms with Quick Heal AntiVirus+ �2009 v10.0 Auto Update.

#7554

From: "Dr.V.N. Sharma" <vnsh44@...>
Date: Thu Nov 26, 2009 9:36 am
Subject: My observation on 'IAF need not seek permission before firing on Naxals'

vns44

Offline

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/iaf-need-not-seek-permission-before-firing-on-naxals/546136/

Dear All,

Pl. read the following Article in the link and then my observation below.

IAF need not seek permission before firing on Naxals

My observation:

There is nothing to read in this clarification which is simply explaining the ‘Rules of Engagement’ for self-defence. The important aspect of the statement is that the Military engagement is to suppress the voice of the poor Adivasis (Read Naxals) who oppose any method of usurping their means of livelihood and handing them over to the private capital in the name of 'Development'. Complete sell out of the oppressed section of the society to the rich is the neo-liberal Agenda of the UPA Govt. The Military engagement or any action, other than settling the issue in a Table Talk with the Naxals, itself should be condemned. The Govt should initiate action to stop inefficient functioning and large scale corruption in their own offices not by a long and ineffective CBI enquiry or a Court proceeding but by meaningful dialogue with the sufferers. Govt is bound to get opposition to this. Low voter turnouts substituted by inflated voter number by EC will not save democracy in Jharkhand JKD or elsewhere.

--
Dr.V.N.Sharma
Mob 9431102680,
Member, Secretariat & Member-Secretary, Organising Committee for Parliament Rally
All India Forum for Right to Education (AIF-RTE)
http://tinyurl.com/drvnsharma

"Those who have the privilege to know, have the duty to act." Albert Einstein

"The only thing necessary for Evil to Flourish is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke

#7555

From: "R. Santhanam" <rsanthanam_delhi@...>
Date: Thu Nov 26, 2009 11:59 am
Subject: Why Dr Manmohan Singh should go to Copenhagen!

rsanthanam_d...

Online Now

http://agropedia.iitk.ac.in/?q=content/keshav-krishi-alternative-sustainable-agriculture

26th November 2009

Hello!

I have no hesitation in accepting this clearly worded plea from Greenpeace which is doing good work in climate change mitigation, environment and in stopping Franken foods (GMO in food crops).

At the same time however, as mentioned clearly by India's Hon'ble Minister of Sate for Environment & Politics, Shri Jairamm Ramesh, India will have to take a tough stand politically and not succumb to pressures from developed nations to enforce unilateral emission caps at a cost to the economic development of India.His statements on Sir Nicholas Stern and his report to world leaders, dialogue with Ms Hillary Clinton on her recent visit to India refer.

I have been personally campaigning through international and national level Civil Society organisations, since the Cancun WTO summit of 2003, against subsidies in agriculture which create an unequal international market place for Indian farmers.

Environment known no geographical borders. The air and water freely traverse the wide open spaces on this planet. Even dams across mighty rivers is a punitive effort of mankind. Economic and Social equity has to prevail across the narrow nation states concept, which create economic divides of haves and have nots. Then only the environment will experience a mitigation from the ills of anthropogenic interventions on the fragile and interdependent ecosystem.

Hence I wholeheartedly welcome this initiative of Green Peace.

Sincerely,

R. Santhanam

cc: Prominent statespersons in the Indian political scenario.

___________________________________________________________

From: Vinuta Gopal <vinuta.gopal@...>
To: R. Santhanam <rsanthanam_delhi@...>; Talking Climate India <talkingclimate.in@...>
Sent: Thu, 26 November, 2009 15:54:40
Subject: Why Dr Manmohan Singh should go

We believe that Copenhagen is where the world is making a critical
decision of how the keep humanity and the planet from crossing into
climate chaos.

for your information, i have reproduced below a letter written by Kumi
Naidoo, the Executive Director of Greenpeace International, who has
also been an apartheid activist and fought for human rights in South
Africa.

it is now a time for world leaders to show leadership. Nothing less
should be acceptable.

Regards,

Vinuta Gopal

Dr Manmohan Singh,

As you know, in December the world’s governments will meet in
Copenhagen to take crucial decisions on one of the most fundamental
challenges ever to confront humanity – climate change. We urge you to
attend this unique summit, COP15, in your personal capacity. Together
you and other world leaders can and must make the breakthrough the
world desperately needs.

Time is running out for preventing catastrophic climate change. We now
know that an increase in global temperature of even 1.5°C could lead
to irreversible impacts, and 2°C risks triggering catastrophic runaway
climate change. We need a global plan that peaks global emissions by
2015 and starts declining rapidly thereafter. Delay by even 5 years
would significantly hinder the possibilities of staying below a 2°C
increase, as the annual reduction rate required after the peak would
become draconian. Every year of delay would increase mid term
mitigation costs by hundreds of billions of US dollars in the energy
sector alone.

Citizens of the world want action now. Never before have we seen such
a wave of appeals for urgent and ambitious action from all sectors of
civil society and from all parts of the world. Scientists, global
trade unions, leaders of the largest faith groups, indigenous peoples’
coalitions, progressive industry alliances, large investors, human
rights organisations, youth groups, military experts, medical
organisations - to name but a few - have appealed to you, our world
leaders, to deliver an ambitious outcome from Copenhagen and warned
about the consequences of failing to do so.

In your name, your negotiators are steering the world towards mass
extinction, mass starvation and human catastrophe. Delay is no longer
acceptable. There is still enough time to reach a fair, ambitious and
binding deal in Copenhagen, but what is lacking is political will. We
are appealing to you to do your utmost to create an environment of
cooperation and mutual trust that will enable the breakthrough the
world is waiting for.

All the crunch issues must be resolved in Copenhagen and they need to
be captured as legal text in an amended Kyoto Protocol and a new
Copenhagen Protocol, which will require ratification.

•    Industrialised countries as a group must commit to emissions
reductions of at least 40% from 1990 levels by 2020 and agree a way to
break that down into individual, legally binding obligations for a
five year commitment period of 2013-2017. They must also agree to
legally binding financial commitments to deliver at least $US140
billion annually for adaptation, clean technology and forest
protection in developing countries

All commitments need to be comparable, and need to be legally binding,
thereby building upon and strengthening the provisions in the Kyoto
Protocol.

•    Enabled by financial and technological support, developing countries
need to reduce their projected emissions growth by at least 15-30% by
2020 in the energy and industry sectors and put in place national
plans to end tropical deforestation and related emissions by 2020

•    The most vulnerable countries need to give priority to adaptation
and must receive financial support to do so

The time for political declarations or politically binding handshakes
is over. Copenhagen provides a unique opportunity for real change.
Together you and other world leaders can make history in Copenhagen by
agreeing to a fair, ambitious and binding agreement. We, with our
friends from around the globe, will be there with high hopes and
expectations of you.

Yours sincerely,

Kumi Naidoo

--
Vinuta Gopal
Campaign Manager
Climate & Energy, Greenpeace India

o: +91 80 41154861
m: +91 9845535418

#7556

From: "kraig carroll" <thehavens@...>
Date: Thu Nov 26, 2009 7:55 pm
Subject: Fw: Organic Bytes: Thanksgiving and the Organic Revolution

thehavens@...

Organic Bytes on the Radio

----- Original Message -----

From: kraig carroll

To: STOPTHEPOISONS@YAHOOGROUPS.COM

Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2009 2:48 PM

Subject: Fw: Organic Bytes: Thanksgiving and the Organic Revolution

----- Original Message -----

From: Organic Consumers Association

To: thehavens@...

Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2009 3:25 PM

Subject: Organic Bytes: Thanksgiving and the Organic Revolution

November 26, 2009

Organic Bytes #201: Thanksgiving and the Organic Revolution

Health, Justice and Sustainability News
from the Organic Consumers Association

Edited by: Alexis Baden-Mayer and Ronnie Cummins

OCA on Facebook

OCA on Twitter

Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage | Donate

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, November 26, the Organic Consumers Association gives special thanks to the indigenous farmers and wildcrafters of the Western Hemisphere for cultivating and preserving our food, fiber, medicinal herbs, and biodiversity for thousands of years. We also bow our heads to our contemporary farmers, gardeners, ranchers, farm workers, food workers, cooks, and holistic healers who are following the ancient Via Organica, the organic way. As we give thanks to our organic ancestors and contemporaries, let us renew our essential pledge as organic consumers and activists to protect and safeguard the global commons. Let us pledge to build a healthy organic future of peace, justice, sustainability, and participatory democracy. Let us promise one another today that we will rescue and re-stabilize our climate, clean up our air and water, rebuild our soils, and protect our precious biodiversity from the ravages of "profit-at-any-cost" corporations and indentured politicians and scientists.

75% of the World's Food
A Cultivated Eden Described a Wilderness
A Wealth of Biodiversity Still Preserved Today
- 4,200 Years of Farming on the Colorado Plateau
- The Wayana's Cultivated Eden
- The Milpa System and 20,000 Varieties of Corn
- Andean Terraced Potato Patches, With Thousands of Varieties

75% of the World's Food

Seventy-five percent of the food and fiber we grow today was discovered and cultivated by the native farmers and hunter-gatherers of North, Central and South America.

These indigenous varieties include corn, beans, peanuts, cotton, potatoes, tomatoes, chili peppers, avocados, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, squashes, black walnuts, pecans, chocolate, tobacco, rubber, sunflowers, and medicinal herbs and plants. Today, every one of these varieties are threatened by Monsanto, Big Pharma, and industrial agriculture, among others, who are privatizing and patenting seeds and the gene pool, eroding biodiversity, degrading the soil and water, contaminating the food chain, and destabilizing the climate.

A CULTIVATED EDEN DESCRIBED AS A WILDERNESS

What European colonists mistakenly described as wilderness was actually a human-created and nurtured landscape, providing food, medicinal herbs, bountiful wildlife, healthy, living soil, and clean water.

Native Americans "managed" the environment "organically," producing and/or maintaining for themselves and the future generations native animals, birds, fish, berries, nuts, greens, fruits, bulbs, corn, mushrooms, roots, basketry and cordage materials, firewood, hunting and building materials, herbal medicines, and plants for ceremonial use.

Many "wild" or commercial plants or varieties that exist today are in fact derived from ancient Native American seed saving and cross-breeding that produced better-tasting, climate adapted, and nutritional varieties.

The popular belief that pre-Columbian America was a "pristine wilderness" is false. This destructive myth is based upon essentially racist stereotypes that reduce the highly successful plant and animal husbandry of Native American rural societies to the instinctual behavior of wildlife or "noble savages."

Native American elders remember better times. "The white man ruined this country," said Southern Sierra Miwok elder Jim Rust. "It's turned back to wilderness. In the old days there used to be lots more game: deer, quail, gray squirrels and rabbits."

There are no "spontaneous Edens" on planet Earth. The New World Gardens of Eden spread across the Americas and the Caribbean, mindlessly exploited by the European conquerors, were the product of the wisdom, hard work, and perseverance of millions of Native Americans, caring for what they believed was a "sacred Earth" and an interconnected web of life that included all living things. In a similar manner, we must understand today that there will be no spontaneous organic or green revival, nor magical climate re-stabilization. An organic and healthy life for the present and future generations will require the dedicated work and perseverance of millions. In the near future we will either stop the deadly assaults on our biodiversity, our food chain, our health, and our climate, or else the biological carrying capacity of the Earth will collapse, along with "modern civilization" as we know it.

A WEALTH OF BIODIVERSITY, STILL PRESERVED TODAY

Millions of indigenous people continue to farm and raise animals the ancient way, the organic way.

4,200 Years of Farming on the Colorado Plateau

On the Colorado Plateau farming has been an unbroken cultural tradition for at least 4200 years. The Navajo, Zuni, Apache, Hopi, Paiute and Tewa have cultivated the most diverse annual crop assemblage in the New World north of the Tropic of Cancer.

The Wayana's Cultivated Eden

The farming system of the Wayana society of French Guyana is based on diverse and flexible cultivation, with characteristically high biodiversity. Organic agriculture and permaculture form a rich, biologically complex system of food production, complimented by wildcrafting, fishing, and hunting. In Wayana, there is no artificial separation between cultivated and wild areas, which is the basis for what we call permaculture.

The Milpa System and 20,000 Varieties of Corn

Few regions in the world have an organic farming system as sustainable and productive as the traditional milpa or "three sisters" organic corn fields of Mexico and Central America. The Mayan milpa tradition is the planting of heirloom varieties of corn in mounds or raised beds, intercropped with biologically complimentary species such as beans and squash, fertilized through natural processes, weeded, harvested and hulled by hand and tended individually. The ancient milpa tradition, in fact, has produced traditional varieties that are healthier and more pest-resistant than modern chemical and water-intensive hybrid and GMO varieties. There are over 20,000 varieties of corn in Mexico and Central America. In southern and central Mexico approximately 5,000 varieties have been identified. In one village in Oaxaca, researchers have identified 17 different micro-environments where 26 varieties of corn are growing. Each variety has been cultivated to adapt to elevation levels, soil acidity, sun exposure, soil type, and rainfall. Unfortunately Monsanto's genetically engineered corn - forced on Mexico by the Bush, Clinton, and Obama administrations - has begun to contaminate traditional Mexican corn varieties, while industry and consumer-induced global warming has spawned drought, pestilence, flooding, and killer hurricanes.

Andean Terraced Potatoes, With Thousands of Varieties

In the Andean region of South America, generations of farmers have domesticated thousands of potato varieties. Today, farmers cultivate up to 50 varieties on their farms. In the biodiversity reserve of the Chilo� archipelago in Chile, local people cultivate about 200 varieties of native potato. They use farming practices transmitted orally by generations of mainly women farmers. A long list of cultural and agriculture treasures from the Inca civilization has been carefully preserved and improved over centuries to guarantee living conditions over 4000 meters above sea level. Although grassroots opposition has stopped Monsanto's attempted invasion on the Andes and other regions of the Americas with its genetically engineered potatoes, constant vigilance and struggle will be required.

One of the most important and sustainable features of Andean agriculture is the terracing system used to capture water and prevent soil erosion. Terraces allow cultivation on steep slops and in different altitudes. From a range of 2800 to 4500 meters, three main agricultural systems can be found: maize is cultivated in the lower areas, potato mainly at medium altitudes. Above 4,000 meters the areas are mostly used as rangeland, but can still be cultivated with high altitude varieties as well. In the high plateau, around Lake Titicaca, farmers dig trenches (called "sukakollos") around their fields. These trenches are filled with water, which is warmed by sunlight. When temperatures drop at night, the water gives off warm steam that serves as frost protection for several varieties of potato and other native crops, such as quinoa.

Learn more about indigenous peoples in the Americas and their contribution to sustainable agriculture here!

OCA Thanks You on this Thanksgiving Day 2009

Thank you for everything you do as a member of the 900,000-strong OCA network. Growing, selling, buying, or cooking healthy organic food... Growing or purchasing organic clothing, body care products or other green and Fair Trade items and services. Planting peace and justice and working in your local community for food security... Teaching about organics, holistic health, climate change, and sustainability... Joining us in our public education and mobilization campaigns... And last, but certainly not least, supporting the OCA financially. OCA and our national, now international, network of organic consumers cannot possibly carry out our collective mission without your support. So please send us a tax-deductible donation today. Thank you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

PLEASE DONATE

LOCAL KY NEWS OF THE WEEK

KY - Get Involved Locally

Learn more about OCA related action alerts and other news in KY here.
Join KY discussion groups in our forum.
Post events in KY on our community calendar.

Message from our Sponsors

Three Generations of Sustainability

Frey Winery was the first organic winery in the U.S., founded in 1980, and always family-owned and operated. Today a third generation continues the family's tradition of sustainable grape growing and award-winning winemaking. Their delicious no-sulfites-added organic and biodynamic wines continue to win new converts.

Organic farming is a fundamental step towards sustainability, and on the slopes of the Redwood Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Mendocino County, California, the Freys were the first to set the example of making wine organically, from the vineyard to the cellar. Thirty years later, Mendocino County has more acreage of organic wine grapes than any other county in the U.S. Frey Winery is also solar powered, practices cultivation methods that cut back on energy and water consumption, and preserves woodlands adjacent to the vineyards.

Try the taste of sustainability at FreyWine.com!

#7557

From: SREEDEVI L <l_sreedevi2001@...>
Date: Fri Nov 27, 2009 3:24 am
Subject: Organic or Bt on your plate - MNP- Mumbai 28th Nov , 4-6 PM

l_sreedevi2001

Offline

ORGANIC OR Bt ON OUR PLATES?

Perspectives from farmers, environmentalists and consumers on what this means
for our health and the environment.

a film and discussion on GM food



Saturday, 28th November, 2009, 4 to 6 pm at the Maharashtra Nature Park, opp
Dharavi Bus Depot



Dear Friends,

What is all the fuss about genetically modified food and Bt brinjal? Just how
much should you be concerned?

At this juncture, when India is on the verge of approving Bt Brinjal, its first
genetically modified food crop – and many more are in the pipeline – Urban
Leaves and Navdanya are organizing an event where you can:



·  watch a film on the subject

·  talk to experts in the matter

·  learn to protect yourself, your community and your environment

·  understand why the organic, Bt-free path is a far saner option



‘Poison on the Platter’ is a 30 min documentary film directed by Ajay
Kanchan and presented by Mahesh Bhatt. It succinctly presents the health effects
of GM food, the regulatory situation, and above all, asks us to be aware of what
is in our food and to ensure the safety of our food.

The film will be followed by a talk and discussion with Vasant Futane, Bharat
Mansata,  and Devi Lakshmi Kutty,



Vasant Futane has been practising organic farming for 25 years in Amravati, and
also actively promoting watershed management -- soil and water conservation --
for over a decade. He is familiar too with the serious problems faced by Bt
cotton farmers of his district.

Bharat Mansata is an author- editor- activist  and a co-founder of 'Earthcare
Books' (Kolkata), involved in environmental and sustainability issues for over
two decades. He most recently authored ‘The Great Agricultural Challenge’
and ‘Organic Revolution’.

Devi is a sustainable agriculture and food activist, associated with Thanal, an
advocacy and research group for sustainable agriculture in Kerala.

Please RSVP l.sreedevi@... or navdanyamumbai@... or call Devi at
9967712384 or Reetha at 9820058042.

A suggested minimum contribution of Rs 50 – to cover costs and to support our
outreach work – is requested. Refreshments will be served.




--
Warm regards
devi

#7558

From: "R. Santhanam" <rsanthanam_delhi@...>
Date: Fri Nov 27, 2009 7:30 am
Subject: Re: Why Dr Manmohan Singh should go to Copenhagen!

rsanthanam_d...

Online Now

http://agropedia.iitk.ac.in/?q=content/keshav-krishi-alternative-sustainable-agriculture

27th December 2009

Sorry for the typo error. Shri Jairam Ramesh is India's Hon'ble Minister of State for Environment & Forests.

In respect of CDM enabling technologies, India should discriminate against technologies that don not work under climatic and other conditions particular to the Indian sub continent. There have been massive failures in the past in the cleaning up of Ganges and Yamuna river basin and related eco systems (French technologies?), the fiasco of MSW feed stock as solid fuel based electricity generation plant, now rusting at Timarpur New Delhi which was exposed by Toxic Links, a responsible NGO are but a few of the many unsuitable technologies imported into India.

I have already drawn up a list of technologies developed in India which I have shared with Green Peace. I am hoping for an encouraging response from the Hon'ble Minister of Sate for Environment & Forests after the Copenhagen meet in December.

Sincerely,

R. Santhanam

From: R. Santhanam <rsanthanam_delhi@...>
To: Vinuta Gopal <vinuta.gopal@...>; Talking Climate India <talkingclimate.in@...>
Cc: MO E&F <mosef@...>; Rahul Bojja IAS <rahul.bojja@...>; Rahul Gandhi <rahulgandhi@...>; Ms Sonia Gandhi <soniagandhi@...>; President of India <presidentofindia@...>; Prakruti Mumbai <prakruti@yahoogroups.com>; Ms.Sunita Narain <sunita@...>; Dr. Vandana Shiva <vshiva@...>; ISIS Director <m.w.ho@...>
Sent: Thu, 26 November, 2009 17:29:45
Subject: [prakruti] Why Dr Manmohan Singh should go to Copenhagen!

26th November 2009

Hello!

I have no hesitation in accepting this clearly worded plea from Greenpeace which is doing good work in climate change mitigation, environment and in stopping Franken foods (GMO in food crops).

Hence I wholeheartedly welcome this initiative of Green Peace.

Sincerely,

R. Santhanam

cc: Prominent statespersons in the Indian political scenario.

http://agropedia. iitk.ac.in/ ?q=content/ keshav-krishi- alternative- sustainable- agriculture

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

From: Vinuta Gopal <vinuta.gopal@ greenpeace. org>
To: R. Santhanam <rsanthanam_delhi@ yahoo.com>; Talking Climate India <talkingclimate. in@greenpeace. org>
Sent: Thu, 26 November, 2009 15:54:40
Subject: Why Dr Manmohan Singh should go

We believe that Copenhagen is where the world is making a critical
decision of how the keep humanity and the planet from crossing into
climate chaos.

for your information, i have reproduced below a letter written by Kumi
Naidoo, the Executive Director of Greenpeace International, who has
also been an apartheid activist and fought for human rights in South
Africa.

it is now a time for world leaders to show leadership. Nothing less
should be acceptable.

Regards,

Vinuta Gopal

Dr Manmohan Singh,

As you know, in December the world’s governments will meet in
Copenhagen to take crucial decisions on one of the most fundamental
challenges ever to confront humanity – climate change. We urge you to
attend this unique summit, COP15, in your personal capacity. Together
you and other world leaders can and must make the breakthrough the
world desperately needs.

Time is running out for preventing catastrophic climate change. We now
know that an increase in global temperature of even 1.5°C could lead
to irreversible impacts, and 2°C risks triggering catastrophic runaway
climate change. We need a global plan that peaks global emissions by
2015 and starts declining rapidly thereafter. Delay by even 5 years
would significantly hinder the possibilities of staying below a 2°C
increase, as the annual reduction rate required after the peak would
become draconian. Every year of delay would increase mid term
mitigation costs by hundreds of billions of US dollars in the energy
sector alone.

Citizens of the world want action now. Never before have we seen such
a wave of appeals for urgent and ambitious action from all sectors of
civil society and from all parts of the world. Scientists, global
trade unions, leaders of the largest faith groups, indigenous peoples’
coalitions, progressive industry alliances, large investors, human
rights organisations, youth groups, military experts, medical
organisations - to name but a few - have appealed to you, our world
leaders, to deliver an ambitious outcome from Copenhagen and warned
about the consequences of failing to do so.

In your name, your negotiators are steering the world towards mass
extinction, mass starvation and human catastrophe. Delay is no longer
acceptable. There is still enough time to reach a fair, ambitious and
binding deal in Copenhagen, but what is lacking is political will. We
are appealing to you to do your utmost to create an environment of
cooperation and mutual trust that will enable the breakthrough the
world is waiting for.

All the crunch issues must be resolved in Copenhagen and they need to
be captured as legal text in an amended Kyoto Protocol and a new
Copenhagen Protocol, which will require ratification.

•    Industrialised countries as a group must commit to emissions
reductions of at least 40% from 1990 levels by 2020 and agree a way to
break that down into individual, legally binding obligations for a
five year commitment period of 2013-2017. They must also agree to
legally binding financial commitments to deliver at least $US140
billion annually for adaptation, clean technology and forest
protection in developing countries

All commitments need to be comparable, and need to be legally binding,
thereby building upon and strengthening the provisions in the Kyoto
Protocol.

•    Enabled by financial and technological support, developing countries
need to reduce their projected emissions growth by at least 15-30% by
2020 in the energy and industry sectors and put in place national
plans to end tropical deforestation and related emissions by 2020

•    The most vulnerable countries need to give priority to adaptation
and must receive financial support to do so

The time for political declarations or politically binding handshakes
is over. Copenhagen provides a unique opportunity for real change.
Together you and other world leaders can make history in Copenhagen by
agreeing to a fair, ambitious and binding agreement. We, with our
friends from around the globe, will be there with high hopes and
expectations of you.

Yours sincerely,

Kumi Naidoo

--
Vinuta Gopal
Campaign Manager
Climate & Energy, Greenpeace India

o: +91 80 41154861
m: +91 9845535418