Monday, August 3, 2009


यमुना पर नौजवानों का तीन दिवसीय आवासीय शिविर
रिवर्स ऑफ द वर्ल्ड फाऊंडेशन, वाटर कम्युनिटि इंडिया, गान्धी स्मारक निधि, पट्टी कल्याणा और लोक सेवक मण्डल (दिल्ली) द्वारा एक त्रि-दिवसीय आवासीय शिविर का आयोजन किया जा रहा है जिसमें ग्लोबल वार्मिंग, पर्यावरण एवं नदियों के तेजी से गिरते जलस्तर तथा उसके दुष्परिणाम पर बातचीत होगी।
यमुना एक जीवनरेखा नदी(समस्या, प्राणवान बनाने की चुनौतियां, कार्यक्रम और संगठन) पूरे कार्यक्रम का मुख्य बिन्दु होगा।प्रमुख हस्तियां जो कार्यक्रम में भाग लेंगी - प्रो। रामकोदुरी (जल एवं पर्यावरण विशेषज्ञ), प्रो. विक्रम सोनी (नेचुरल हेरीटेज फर्स्ट),श्री ओंकार चंद (लोक सेवक मंडल), श्री महेश दत्त शर्मा (गांधी स्मारक निधि ), श्री दीवान सिंह( यमुना सत्याग्रह), श्री कपिल मिश्र(यूथ फॉर जस्टिस ), श्री राजेश डोकवाल(नेचर फाउन्डेशन), फिल्म निर्माता श्री राकेश खत्री, श्री शम्भु दत्त शर्मा (गांधी सत्याग्रह ब्रीगेड)
कार्यक्रम स्थल - प्राकृतिक चिकित्सा केन्द्र, पट्टीकल्याणा आश्रम, नजदीक समालखा, दिल्ली की तऱफ से 18 किमी पानीपत से पहले

Thursday, July 30, 2009

YOUTH FOR JUSTICE respects the SC order on YAMUNA RIVER BED

Today Supreme Court has allowed Commonwealth Games Village on Yamuna saying that it is not on Yamuna River Bed.
We at "Youth for Justice" respects the order.
Yamuna Satyagraha has lost its purpose long before, when it was decided by a few of people to file a court case against the will of majority of the Satyagrahis. NOW THE COURT CASE HAS BEEN LOST AND SAME PEOPLE ARE BLAMING THE JUDICIARY AND THE SOCIETY FOR THE DEFEAT IN THE COURT.
Since the beginning of Satyagraha there was a consensus among Satyagrahis that court case will not be filed and Satyagraha will be utilised as the tool to achieve the objectives of the movement. Mr. Vinod Jain from Tapas has filed a case and has almost got an order against the construction on river bed but suddenly a case was filed by again these few members of Satyagraha. It affected the proceedings of case filed by Shri Vinod Jain and both cases were given to a double bench of High court. We all know what happened after that. If we see the observation given by the Judge in the case filed by Shri Vinod Jain, one could easily say that second case filed by people from Satyagraha was a mistake (intentionally or unintentionally) that has helped the authorities to go ahead with the construction.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

2 YEARS OF YAMUNA STAYAGRAHA :Chronology

Chronology of YAMUNA SATYAGRAHA by YOUTH FOR JUSTICE
2 Aug to 15th August 2007
Youth for Justice, farmers of Yamuna khaddar and Sunil Parbhakar joins Yamuna Satyagraha. The farmers admirably took responsibility to maintain the Satyagraha sthal. Youth for Justice provided the much needed youth energy for the movement.
Press conferences, folk songs, inviting people/NGOs/polticians from Delhi and outside to sit on satyagraha. Foreign media too troops in. On 15th august, we staged a march to the stream of Yamuna to hoist tri-colour. Yamuna was in good flow but devoid of its flood plains. Unable to meander like a river and recharge the flood plain aquifers.


18th Aug- "YOUTH FOR YAMUNA" WAS LAUNCHED WITH STUDENTS FROM DELHI SCHOOL OF SOCIALWORK
19 August,

SATYAGRAHA IN WELL
Satyagrahis barricaded inside the games village site, pressured to move out. In protest, Sunil Parbhakar(25 years) get down in an abandoned dry well and resumes his satyagraha inside the well, with a chameleon and a snake as his co satyagrahis.

Medha patkar, Ch. Ramkaran solanki( head of 360 villages of Delhi), Govindacharya, C.V.Rajagopal and others gather at the satyagraha sthal.

18th September
STALLING PROCEEDINGS OF DELHI ASSEMBLY.
Sunil Parbhakar and Kapil Mishra and other young boys and girls from Youth for Justice along with Diwan Singh from Natural Heritage First enter Delhi assembly and stall the proceedings, demanding discussion on Yamuna. Boys taken into police custody. Then there were long discussions on Yamuna in Assembly
27th September
Yamuna satyagraha co-organises a function along with Shahid Bhagat Singh Brigade at Sur Ghat near Wazirabad. The function was organized on birth day of Shahid Bhagat Singh.
2nd October
300 people march from Yamuna Satyagraha sthal to Raj Ghat.
10th October
March to Supreme Court- students of Aravalli Inst. Of Manamgement, Jal Biradari, Youth for Justice, NHF and others totalling more than 200 marches to supreme Court to demand justice for the river. Outnumbered and surrounded by police.
24th October
24 hours Yamuna satyagraha starts at NH-8, opposite hotel raddison at Mahipal Pur. Harvinder Rana , a local youth volunteer and his friends take the initiative.

Youth for Justice
organizes a huge aarti samaroh for Yamuna at Wazirabad with more than 500 people joining it on the bank of river Yamuna at Sonia Vihar.
12th November
A delegation led by Shri Kuldeep Nayar including Dr. Vikram Soni and Diwan singh from NHF and Manoj Mishra from Peace Institute meets the Group of Ministers.
18th November
Candle march organized by Youth for Justice at Central Park in Cannaught Place, warning the government against turning Yamuna Flood plains into another Nandigram.

22nd November

TEMPORARY MORATORIUM – Dr. Vikram Soni and his team’s efforts tastes success. At a meeting of YRDA attended by 40 technical experts from various fields, the LG declares temporary moratorium on further constructions on Yamuna Flood Plains subject to further studies. CGWB commissioned to do further studies and directed to work with Dr Soni’s team.

1 Dec to 9th Dec
Yamuna Bhujal Bachao Yatra organized in all the villages and colonies along both banks in Delhi. Led by Rajender Singh, NGOs and farmers join hands to spread awareness about the significance of Yamuna for ground water recharge.

Dec

Message to save flood plains displayed at the back of more than 125 Auto Rickshaws with the help of NyayaBhoomi. We can still find these.
Dec
NHF and Youth for Justice and farmers of Yamuna Khadar protests the dissection of yamuna Flood plains by building slip roads in a wrong manner at Vikas Marg.
21 Feb, 2008
Panel discussion at Indian Women Press Corps(IWPC), co organized by NHF, attended by Kuldeep Singh( former Justice, SC), Kuldeep Nayar, Rajender Singh, Dr. Vikram Soni, Vandana Shiva, M.C.Mehta and Bhure Lal. The topic was preservation of natural resources in Delhi.
March
We could not afford to stand mute witness to laborers’ death at Games Village site. Youth for Justice and NHF raised the issue, agitated against unhygienic conditions at the construction site. With support from media, we managed to force the authorities to clean the site and make it hygienic and the deaths stopped.
21 March
Activists burn effigy of Shiela Dixit on occasion of Holi to protest construction of Games village at flood Plains.

Dr. Soni meets Shri Kapil Sibal, heading the ministry of Science and Technology to seek his support for protection of natural resources of the city.
5 June
7 day Yamuna Yatra from Delhi to Agra launched. Organized by Youth for Justice with support from farmers, and NHF, the yatris did overnight stay in the villages or towns along the Yamuna and enjoyed hospitality of local people. It helped in lot of sensitization and awareness raising. Crucial for future campaigns.


Security guards at Games Village not paid salary. Again an instance of injustice right next to us. The poor youth who had come from far away villages in country to serve as security guard at the Games village were subject to exploitation. We again agitated, went to Police etc. Finally, the guards got their salary.

Meeting sports minister Mr.M.S.Gill. Shri Kuldeep Nayar used his good offices to arrange this meeting.

NHF has completes a video film on the water recharge potential of Yamuna Flood Plains and the’ PRESERVE and USE’ scheme proposed. The film is shown to the LG
28th,29th,30th July
Rajender Singh decided to take the message of Yamuna satyagraha to the entire country and launched the ‘nadi sangrakshan satyagraha’. Three day camp was organized at Bal Bhavan in Delhi. Water activists from all over the country attended it.

Cash for vote scam- Youth for Justice and NHF participated in the protest demonstration at India gate. Kept in police custody till late mid night.

Candle march in Central Park organized by Youth for Justice and Aryan Foundation against apathy of judiciary towards the Yamuna cause.
1 Sept
George Fernandez visits Yamuna Satyagraha sthal and admits mistake of NDA in permitting Akshardham Mandir on the flood plains
11 Sept
March to PM’s address venue- satyagrahis taken into custody
Youth for Justice, NHF, and farmers stage protest march to Vigyan Bhavan, the venue of Ground water Congress addressed by Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh. The marchers taken into police custody for through out the day.


23rd September

MORATORIUM SEALED- At the concluding meeting of YRDA, CGWB presented conclusions of its study in response to the study by Dr. Soni’s team. CGWB accepts the water recharge potential of flood plains. The Lt. Governor announces sealing the moratorium.

28th September
Diwan Singh represents Yamuna Satyagraha on World Rivers’day at a function held at Budwani in M.P, organized by Narmada Bachao Andolan.


6th October
At a function held at IIC, Lodhi Road, the LG once again announces his commitment to preserve the yamuna Flood Plains for water recharge and bio-diversity and lauds the role played by Dr. Soni and his team.
Onwards
Since then our activities have mainly been confined to a passive mode. The farmers along with some satyagrahis have been maintaining the satyaraha sthal and continuing with relay hunger strike to demand stop to work on Common Wealth Games village.

Monday, June 29, 2009

PLANTATION IN NAJAFGARH


KULDEEP NAYYAR AND DIWAN SINGH DURING PALNTATION DRIVE

PLANTATION DRIVE in BAKKARWALA VILLAGE, NAJAFGARH, NEW DELHI

A desiltation and tree plantation drive is organized at water bodies near Bakkarwala village. The event is organized by local residents of Bakkarwala village, Gurdayal Vihar colony and Chanchal Park. Besides the local residents, the participating groups are- YOUTH FOR JUSTICE, Natural Heritage First, Tapas, Gati, PRASAR, Sangrakhshan, Students of University School of Bio technology( I.P.University)and IIT, Delhi.

Senior journalist Shri Kuldeep Nayyar accompanied by Dr. Vikram Soni(Research scientist at NPL) and Vinod Jain(Tapas) will launch and participate in the drive.

Protection of Local Natural Resources to deal with water scarcity. - The residents and the NGOs feel that these water resources are crucial to water security. They believe that the age old culture of desilting and preserving the water bodies need to be revived if we have to deal with water crisis which is increasing year by year in this city. Desilting is a necessary exercise as it would augment recharge of ground water. This function in olden days was performed as a voluntary service by our forefathers in our villages every year before the monsoons arrived. Tree plantation is necessary as it helps purify and hold water.

These water bodies signify culture, history and environment, all come together.

There are four water bodies on a 26 acre tract of Gram Sabha land in village Bakkarwala. The land had been leased to DTC for a depot cum dump yard to accommodate for new low floor buses. However, the residents were strongly against it as the plan would destroy the four water bodies and take away the last available common space in the area from them. The residents want the water bodies to be preserved and protected and tree plantation in the area which would serve as a catchments area for the water bodies and at the same time as park and playground for children and elderly.

However, it also to be noted that construction on the water bodies is also violation of Delhi High Court orders.

Thrice in the past, the administration had tried to take possession of the area but it was thwarted by the residents. On 11May, 2009, the administration came with a 250 strong police force but the residents were not cowed down and they managed to send the administration back without allowing demarcation/possession of land.

The latest is that the administration is not pressing for the land. Meetings with local M.P Mahabal Mishra and CM, Shiela Dixit have indicated that the administration is looking for an alternative site. The matter is also in High Court. The High Court has issued notices to Delhi Govt. in the month of May, 2009. The next date of hearing is 20th Aug, 2009.

YOUTH FOR JUSTICE ACTION HEROES DURING PLANTATION DRIVE



Saturday, June 27, 2009

PLANTATION DRIVE

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR A PLANTATION DRIVE

THIS SUNDAY

JUNE 28, 2009

AT BAKKARWALA, NEAR NANGLOI

TIME- 5:30 PM

SEE YOU THERE!!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Thanks to Shri Jairam Ramesh

Another voctory for YOUTH FOR JUSTICE and others struggling for Yamuna
Today our Environment and Forest Minister Shri Jai Ram Ramesh has declared upcoming Commonwealth games village on Yamuna River Bed as models of destruction. his statement marks a clear shift on stand of authorities and justifies YFJ stand on the issues.

Copy of Statement of Shri Jairam Ramesh, Min. of Environment and Forest
Our Thank you note and response to Shri Jairam Ramesh:-
Dear Sir

Greetings!!

We are a New Delhi based Youth Action group “Youth for Justice” working with urban youth on issues related to Environment, Agriculture and various other spontaneous issues that need cognizance.

We are writing this letter to congratulate you and thank you for taking right stand on issues of encroachment on riverbed in the name of Commonwealth Games.

You statement in “Dainik Bhasker” national edition dated 6th June 2009, has sent a right message to the people who are concerned about various threats to our natural resources and environment and it has definitely boosted morale of groups and organizations that are struggling for the right cause.

Since August 2007, we have been raising these issues of illegal construction on Yamuna river bed in the name of games village, in fact we have organized a series of discussions, joint marches, candle light vigils etc. to raise public awareness on the issue. But some individuals in authority were keen on going ahead with the project despite clear the realization of the mistake done in choosing the venue and type of structure.

We have information on how this construction violets direction given by Honorable High Court and how it was allowed without required clearance from various authorities. This construction is also completely against the promise that we have made to international community while bidding for the Games.

We do understand that it is almost impossible to stop the construction or change the venue at this point in time but request you that those who are responsible for deliberately violating the norms should be brought to justice.

You have assumed the responsibility of this office at very critical stage, as a nation we are going through a phase of transition and large scale constructions and mega projects are order of the day. While such developmental projects are need of the hour at the same time we need to ensure that these projects do follow required norms and guidelines so that our environment and natural resources should be conserved.

We also seek an appointment with you so that we can share the information that we have on irregularities and violation of promises made by authorities while bringing the games to Delhi.

You have a great role to play and nation especially those who are concerned about our common future are looking at you.

Again we would like to thank you.
Looking forward to your response
Thanks and Regards

Kapil Mishra
General Secretary
Youth for Justice
http://www.y4j.blogspot.com/
E-mail- youth4justice@gmail.com

Ph. – 91-11-9818066041

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

YOUTH FOR JUSTICE- GENERAL MEETING

Dear All

First of all I would like to congratulate all the members and supporters of "Youth for Justice" for all the unique initiatives and action that we have takes together in last three years.

When in 2006m we formed this group, none of us has imagined that this small initiative is not only going to survive but also grow both in terms of quantity and quality.

YFJ impact on various issues is quite visible and we have been successful in changing the perception about urban youth in various ways.

Bigger positions bring bigger responsibilities and it is time for us to prepare ourselves for bigger role of ensuring real participation of youth in the policy making processes.

It is in this regard, I take this opportunity to invite you all for "Youth for Justice" General Meeting on 5th June 2009 at Gandhi Peace Foundation, near ITO, Delhi.

That day there is a conference on FOOD SECURITY by our partners and you all are invited to join the same as well.

(Lunch will be provided by the organizer)

Please ensure that you join us there and you are free to bring your friends and colleagues who share a passion for change.

For further enquiry and details please feel free to contact us at youth4justice@gmail.com or call me at 9818066041.

Looking forward to meet you

Thanks and Regards

Kapil Mishra
Youth for Justice
www.y4j.blogspot.com