A signature campaign by Green Peace to stop a port to be built by Tatas in Dhamru,Orissa.

Thank you for your mail on the Tata port in Dhamra and two reports in the newspapers. I am unable to sign the petition as I am not sure about the facts of the case.

India has the unenviable task of combing economic progress for its teeming millions along with the proper care of ecology and environment. I believe environmentalists have to help industry and the government to strike a balance between the two. You have to suggest a coastal area in Orissa where Tatas can build a port, not just say not here or there.You have to be more constructive.

I am with you in principle but you have to give an alternative. No one has complained about profiteering by Tatas.The House of Tatas have a reputation for integrity.

( A response to Green Peace on their campaign against a port in Dhamru.)

July 29,2010.

On Wed, Jul 28, 2010 at 2:53 AM, Ashish Fernandes, Greenpeace India <Greenpeace.india@mailing.greenpeace.org> wrote:

Ask Jairam Ramesh to save our coasts. Click here to write to him. Dear Mattar Devadas, The Tatas have filed a law suit against Greenpeace for Rs 10 crore because of our TATA v/s Turtles game, highlighting the threat the Dhamra port poses to the turtles and other wildlife [1]. Greenpeace stands by its actions and will present its case in court on August 12. The Tatas are trying to divert attention from their port's impacts, ignoring the concerns of 150,000 people, scientists, politicians and NGOs. The port has bent every law in the book, threatening turtles, mangroves, crocodiles and other species [2]. Over 300 more ports are being planned across mainland India. Many will be in and near eco-sensitive areas. We cannot let more Dhamras happen and the Minister of Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh needs to act. Can you write to Jairam Ramesh asking him to protect our coasts? http://greenpeace.in/turtle/no-more-dhamras 21,262 people have already written to him. More letters will help make him realise that he cannot take the issue lightly. A lot of these new ports are planned in or near mangroves, fish breeding grounds and the habitats of marine turtles and other vulnerable species. In 1991 the Government had come up with a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification meant to protect our coasts. But over the years this notification has been weakened to suit vested interests. To prevent future Dhamras this notification needs to be strengthened. Minister Jairam Ramesh can do this by inserting a clause which prohibits construction of new ports and expansion of old ones within 25km radius of eco-sensitive, CRZ I areas. Ask Minister Jairam Ramesh to save India's coastal spaces before it's too late: http://greenpeace.in/turtle/no-more-dhamras Thanks a billion! Ashish Fernandes Oceans Campaigner Greenpeace India Sources: 1. Tata sue NGO over turtle game, DNA, 18th July, 2010 http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_tatas-sue-ngo-over-turtle-game_1411245 2. Wildlife activists move Supreme Court, The Times of India, 10th Oct, 2010 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City/Bhubaneswar/Wildlife-Activists-Move-Supreme-Court-/articleshow/5110555.cms