Imphal Times Supplementary issue 2 Editorial and AoL: selective environmentalism? Imphal, Friday, March 11, 2016 NIVEDITA KHANDEKAR the event. CNN IBN managed to contractor had illegally levelled and ahead to the Akshardham temple, it At the outset, a disclaimer: Having give a positive touch by raised land on both the western and was the UPA government that covered Yamuna pollution and other showcasing the young performers eastern bank of the river blocking allowed the Commonwealth Games Wasting the nature’s gift environmental issues related to who will appear at the event (). Zee an active Yamuna channel in the village to come up bang in the Mother Nature is not so cruel. The moment when the people of water, I am against any kind of News, not surprisingly, gave it a process. middle of the floodplains. The entire this land started crying for water, she pours it from the sky. But construction – temporary or different twist on its ‘Taal Thok Ke’ Also consider this: “Some Yamuna falls in the ‘O’ zone of the we are so cruel to her that the blessing was sabotage by wasting permanent – on river floodplains, asking “If Kumbh can be held on photographs show heavy debris, Delhi Development Authority’s it at streets and other filthy potholes. In a world where technology not just in the case of the Yamuna Ganga banks why not a cultural fest iron junk and other construction (DDA) Master Plan for Delhi. And had reached its height, where leaders of the western nations but for that matter, the flood plains on Yamuna banks?”. India TV too material belonging to DMRC lying government after government, both talk about building modern cities under the sea or somewhere of any other river or the catchment ran shows that were indirectly in the Sarai Kale Khan to Mayur at the Centre and at Delhi, have only at the sky, we in this portion of the earth do not know how to of any water body. supporting the event, though Vihar stretch, near Lalita Park and worked to shrink and deteriorate it make good use of what Mother Nature has gifted us. It is a So, I should have been happy to discussing the objections raised by the old pontoon bridge. Let DMRC further. known fact that during dry season people of this region faced see almost all the news channels environmentalists. remove all debris and other So the question that comes acute shortage of water and during rainy season the place is taking a huge interest in what has And then, there was the ‘Press construction material. In the event obviously to one’s mind is: Why normally flooded with the rain water. This phenomenon has been now been termed as a controversial Conference’, the ‘interview by of default, the managing director of have the channels woken up only experiencing by the people for the past few decades. No people event – the World Culture Festival many’ format programme, featuring DMRC shall personally appear now? It is nobody’s case that the of this generation have ever heard our great great grandfather (WCF) to be organised by the Art Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on ABP News before the tribunal on the next date channels cannot take on the facing such a disastrous phenomenon. This clearly shows that of Living foundation (AoL) of Sri on March 9. of hearing,” said a bench headed government agencies violating any the present crisis of water is the creation of this generation. Sri Ravi Shankar opposite Mayur Almost all the channels covered the by NGT chairperson Justice norms. Or is it easy to target an NGO One cannot simply blame on the mass deforestation as a result Vihar Phase I in East Delhi. issue. Times Now went with almost Swatanter Kumar on July 22, 2015. and easier to neglect what of the drastic situation being faced by the people. Politicians With environmental activists nil coverage but did carry a detailed But no channel has ever discussed government agencies are doing to and those who are running the government cannot make their pursuing the matter at the National news report when the NGT gave a this issue. No channel has ever damage the floodplains? way out of this by blaming the citizens for not following the Green Tribunal (NGT) and almost all nod. And it did carry taken up such a topic for its prime Now that the NGT on March 9, 2016 orders of the government. Draughts and floods which were once news channels vying for the latest environmentalists’ version in that time debate. Incidentally, the finally gave permission to the event only learnt through geography books and newspapers have now development and/or newest angle report (Plea to stall Sri Sri event channels’ websites do carry stories with Rs 5 crore fine imposed on the become routine event of this little state since the last two three related to the event/NGT case, rejected - too). sent out by PTI or IANS on this AoL for restoration of the river bank decades. As for the Imphalites from a small child who can read viewers were led to believe that the So why am I not happy about the issue but the channels’ own and flood plains after the event, it and write to those who hold top post in the government temporary construction as claimed extensive coverage? content never or rarely figured the seems the programme will go ahead. departments or those doing doctoral degree in any discipline, by AoL on the Yamuna flood plains, Over the last three decades, Delhi Yamuna. So will it be expecting too much that everyone knows that the kind of flood or draught that we the where the event is to be held, is a has continuously witnessed the In another case, the NGT has been the same news channels – which people of Manipur are facing every years is a man made one massive violation of environmental destruction of Yamuna floodplains, repeatedly taking the Delhi endlessly debated the created by lack of proper planning on water management. Every laws. the very lifeline for the city. Be it government to task over its failure environmental damage to Yamuna time when the people faced such a situation there will be hue But is it actually so? Is the AoL construction of Delhi Metro lines, to remove the DTC bus depot from floodplains, which gave more than and cry from the side of the general public demanding the event the only violation taking place its depots and even the residential the river bed. The print media has usual attention to an event from the government for a proper water policy for the state. Even at the on the Yamuna floodplain? Is it ‘all quarters on the Yamuna been reporting this as routine environmental angle and which state assembly, some of the MLAs had brought up the issue and is well’ for the rest of the Yamuna floodplains; be it the Akshardham stories, special stories and have in general a poor track record drew the attention of the government for proper management floodplains, at least in Delhi? It is temple or the Commonwealth sometimes even an editorial/opinion of covering issues from outside of water by framing a water policy. Concerned Ministers in the indeed intriguing to see the sudden Games village. Examples abound. piece. metro cities – that they will do government every time assured to look into it but nothing visible interest that television channels are Before the NGT was created, it was Incidentally, the UP link road, the equally good follow up post the action was seen taken up. This is perhaps those in power showing in environmental activism. the Delhi High Court or the NH 24 and the Ring Road- event? That is, keep checking and responsible or looking after this section of department – say , The problem: Why have the Supreme Court that heard cases Nizamuddin bridge T-point fall on covering to see if the AoL has for example the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) channels woken up only now? related to the Yamuna. the daily driving route of scores of actually restored the flood plains and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) seems to be “But is it actually so? Is the AoL The NGT regularly hears cases television journalists, and in some as promised during the NGT deliberately waiting for occurrence of flood or draught. Everyone event the only violation taking place against government authorities cases television anchor/editors, hearing. knows that when there is flood the Ministers or the authority of on the Yamuna floodplain? Is it ‘all abusing the Yamuna floodplains – who either reside in Delhi and drive Also, will it be too much to expect the government department looking after it are entitle to spend is well’ for the rest of the Yamuna the DTC bus depot near to work to Noida or live in Noida/ that these television channels will huge amount of money in the name of taking up relief measures. floodplains, at least in Delhi? “ Nizamuddin bridge; the upcoming Ghaziabad and drive to Delhi. The now cover all Yamuna related cases This fund utilized, only benefitted to those who are actually During this week (especially extension to the Barapulla Elevated massive space occupied by the in the NGT with equal gusto? That assigned to utilize it. So, if no draught or flood no special package starting Sunday right up to March Road connecting the Sarai Kale L&T site office just near the they will also rigourously debate or huge fund to utilized it at which they can manage to arrange 9, 2015, when the NGT gave a nod Khan end with Mayur Vihar and the Nizamuddin bridge – Ring Road T- the DMRC dumping debris or to get their share. Which means that those in the government to the event with a hefty fine), portion of the Delhi Metro Rail point - is a case in point. It is surely occupying a far greater area on the never wanted a solution to flood or draught in this state which various channels have carried Corporation’s (DMRC) new line causing permanent damage to the Yamuna floodplains with much have adequate amount of rainfall every year. different programmes – prime time joining the upcoming Sarai Kale flood plains. more damaging material? That they debates, features, interviews and Khan station going over the Even when you make concessions will turn to other cities too where versions from various Yamuna to the Mayur Vihar Phase I that the metro is a mass public government authorities and of AMWJU leaders to join environmentalists. station, being the ongoing cases. transport and hence a much course private parties have Aaj Tak even ran a poll asking its The print media and the news necessary evil vis-à-vis damaged flood plains beyond viewers to vote yes or no on agencies have regularly and construction related to its lines limit? World Cultural Festival whether the army should have made routinely covered all these cases crossing the Yamuna, why have the Imphal, March 11: As invited a three- Over 35 lakh people from 155 countries the pontoon bridge for the AoL and have been consistently television channels never raised any Nivedita Khandekar is a Delhi- member delegation of the All Manipur are expected to join the festival being event. On March 9, 2016, NDTV too reporting such violations of hue and cry over its massive train based independent journalist Working Journalists’ Union organized to commemorate 35 years held a prime time show which environmental laws. For instance, depot at Shashtri Park, and later near who writes on environmental (AMWJU) led by its president of service by the Art of Living. discussed “damage to ecology, in October 2015, the NGT had the Yamuna Bank metro station, or and developmental issues. She Wangkhemcha Shamjai left Imphal The other two AMWJU delegation misuse of the military and Sri Sri & actually applied brakes to the its residential quarters – obviously can be reached at yesterday to join the three-day World members joining the festival are The Art of Controversy”. Earlier, extension of the elevated road as permanent – right next to the [email protected] or Culture Festival beginning Friday Manipur Press Club Secretary K even CNBC TV18 carried Sri Sri Ravi the authorities had set up a Yamuna Bank metro station? you can follow her on Twitter at (March 11) at ’s DND Sarojkumar Sharma and the Union’s Shankar’s interview. batching/concrete mixer plant right While it was the NDA government @nivedita_Him Flyway. executive member Sunzu BM. Not all programmes were critical of on the floodplains and the PWD in an earlier avatar which gave a go (Courtesy- The Hoot) National & International News NHRC issues notice OFFICE OF THE MANAGER: SINGJAMEI REVENUE SUB-DIVISION, We need more time to deposit fine - AOL New Delhi, March 11: The National MANIPUR STATE POWER DISTRIBUTION COMPANY LIMITED Courtesy TNN not as penalty.” the verdict of the NGT and would Human Rights Commission, NHRC PRESS RELEASE New Delhi, March 11: The Art of The NGT had said on Thursday appeal against it, adding, has issued notices to Tamil Nadu Dated/ Imphal, the 10th March, 2016 Living (AOL), which is organizing that the AOL will have to deposit Rs “Satyamev Jayate” government over the reported brutal It is hereby informed to all consumers under 11KV Canchipur and the World Culture Festival on the 5-crore fine imposed on it by 5pm on On Thursday, The tribunal had assault on an indebted farmer by M.U. Feeder that due to HT pole shifting work, there will be shutdown Yamuna floodplains, on Friday filed Friday. If it failed to do so, the law will refused to give an urgent hearing bank officials and police in the state. in these feeders from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m on 12th March, 2016. an appeal in the National Green take its own course, the NGT said. on a fresh plea seeking a stay on Taking suo motu cognizance of the Inconvenience caused is highly regretted. Tribunal(NGT) saying it needs at On Wednesday, the NGT had ordered the three-day event, alleging that media report, NHRC issued notices Sd/- least four weeks’ time to deposit Rs AOL to pay the fine “prior to AOL has not taken permissions to the secretary and DG Police of (Birjeet Longjam) 5-crore fine and to comply with all commencement of the event”. from the competent authorities as the State and sought a report within Manager, Singjamei Sub- directions of the tribunal. However, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the directed by the tribunal. “There is two weeks. Division IED-III, MSPDCL. “We are a charitable organization founder of AOL, said on Thursday no urgency in it. You can file a proper The media reports said that officials and it is difficult for us to generate he would rather go to jail than pay application and point out the of a private bank with the assistance Rs 5 crore in a short period,” the the fine imposed by NGT for deficiencies in compliance with the of police came to seize the tractor of WHENEVER YOU SEE CONSONSONSTRTRTRUUUCTION AND MINING AOL said in its petition. environmental violations on the directions of the tribunal. We will a farmer and brutally attacked him EQUIPMENTS, JUST THINK OF US The AOL father said that “Rs 5- floodplains due to massive see if there is any breach or and forcibly took him to a police A SOLUTION FOR EVERY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT crore fine be taken as restoration constructions. He had also tweeted (something is) not as per the law,” vehicle, as they wanted to recover amount for biodiversity park and that AOL was not “satisfied” with the bench said. the money he had borrowed. CBI registers case SC refuses to entertain PIL for dropping Puri, March 11: The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against two senior officials of public AAAutututomobile Engineering Worororkkks-1s-1s-1 action against Guj cops sector unit Orissa Mineral R K WORKORKORKSHOP New Delhi, March 11: The Supreme the Pakistani-American terrorist, Headley. It had also sought a Development Company and others New Checkon RRon oadoadoad, PurPur, ana RRana ajbariajbariajbari Court today refused to entertain a recorded before a Mumbai court that direction from the court declaring for allegedly causing a loss of 350 Imphal East, PIL seeking quashing of criminal Jahan was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) that killing of a terrorist is not an crore rupees to the exchequer. Manipur - 795 001 prosecution, suspension and other operative. offence under Indian law and proper The agency had conducted searches AFTER SALES SERVICE TO action taken against Gujarat cops Gujarat Police personnel, including compensation be paid to the state on the premises of the accused ALL KINDS OF SPARE YOUR SATISFACTION PARTS AVAILABLE in the 2004 alleged fake encounter ex-cop Vanzara, are facing trial in a police personnel in the interest of persons in seven places including BEML Limited killing of Ishrat Jahan in view of Mumbai court for their alleged role in justice. It also wanted initiation of Delhi, Kolkata and Sultanpur in Uttar Authorised dealer recent testimony of jailed LeT the encounter. The plea had sought suo motu perjury/contempt Pradesh yesterday. The alleged (A Government of India Mini Ratna Company under Ministry of Defence) operative David Headley. a direction to close criminal proceedings against the then Home offence was committed during the However, the bench clarified that it proceedings and action taken in FIRs Minister and CBI Director for period 2003-2010 by the officials in Letters, Feedback and Suggestions to ‘Imphal Times’ was not dismissing the petition on lodged by CBI against the Gujarat concealing true facts before the transferring shares of a sponge-iron can be sent to our e-mail : [email protected]. merits. The plea seeking quashing Police personnel and others, saying Supreme Court and the Gujarat High joint venture company to private firms For advertisement kindy contact: - of action taken against Gujarat cops it was unconstitutional within the Court and for filing a false affidavit in violation of the rules, which 0385-2452159 (O) refers to the statement of Headley, judicial facts and evidences of pertaining to facts about the case. resulted in huge loss to the exchequer.

Edited by Rinku Khumukcham, Owned and Published by Iboyaima Khuman at Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Imphal and Printed by him at M/s Imphal Times Printers, Elangbam Leikai Imphal West, Contact No. 2452159, Resident Editor- Jeet Akoijam