Dear Readers,
At the outset, I thank the VU authorities for their response to the OTN's Letter dated the 8th April,2007 on the subject of the proposed Vedant University. In this connection I wish to state my views as follows:
AA. Poverty and backwardness of Orissa: Mr.Krishnan's statement on Orissa's poverty and backwardness was uncalled for, to say the least. Perhaps, he is not aware that one of the major factors responsible for the backwardness and poverty of the People of Orissa, is the exploitation of States Mineral Wealth and Forest Wealth by the Private Sector and the Public Sector without providing adequate sustainable returns to State and its People. I do not wish to dwell upon the said subject here. However, it is encouraging to note that the present generation is reacting to such exploitation and is demanding its just and fair dues.
BB.It is encouraging to note that VU proposes a self sustained and "Stand alone" World Class University Campus complete with all infrastructure and utilities. It is presumed that VU will have its own Captive Power Generation facilities, Water Supply System, Sewage and Effluent treatment plants & disposal system,etc so as not to depend upon the State Services. As the ground water is saline ( as stated by Mr.Krishnan) I am sure VU will go for a state-of-art Water Desalination Plant to meet the water demand of the vast Campus, without imposing burden on the existing sources of Natural Portable Water.
CC. Land Acquisition : It is noted that VU is purcahsing Land directly from the Local People at fair market price.
The exploitation of the people starts, when they are not paid the Market Fair Price. For an example, TATA Steel is acquiring land for their New green field Steel Plant in Kharswan area of Jharkhand, paying as much as Rs.40.00 Lakhs per acre for the barren hilly tracks, much above the market price ( vide the Telegraph, dated the 1st May'07) to ensure hassle-free Land Acquisition and to earn good will of the Local People. Whereas in Orissa, the Industrialists acquire land for a song, thus denying the fair value of the land to the poor Villagers. Thus the people of Orissa remain in perpetual poverty.
DD. The description on other aspects of the Project, given by Mr.Krishnan, reads well. But unfortunately, in our Country, there is always a wide variance between the statements made and the ultimate ground realities. I wish, VU proves to be an exception.
But if we go by the ETV-Oriya News report, dated the 2nd May, 07, ( 07.00 PM- 07.30 PM)with Video footings, I was apalled to see that the same Vedanta Group has set up a Medical Centre at Lanjigarh, where there is no Doctor nor the baisc amenities. Is this the way to look after the health of Project Workers , Mining Labour and the Displaced people ?
It may not be out of place to state that as per International Standards, even for a Construction Project engaging 200 workers, it is mandatory for the Owner of the Project to provide a proper Medical Centre with a Doctor, a Male Nurse and Ambulances in attendance, at the Site. Where as the Vedant Group has totally ignored the interest of the Workers and Displaced People at their Lanjigarh Mining Areas and Alumina Plant Site.
It is expected that the Vedanta Group/ VU will comply with International Statndards in respect of "Health, Safety and Environment" requirements, and do not provide room for doubting their "Intentions"
I will appreciate if Orissa Today Group also writes to VU on the Subject.
Thanks,
J.N.Mahanty
Date: Wed, 2 May 2007 07:10:56 -0600
From: manoj...@gmail.com
To: anand...@vedanta.edu.in
Subject: OTN: Re: Re: Letter from Orissa Today Network Group to V
CC: Oriss...@googlegroups.com; cv.kr...@vedanta.edu.in; c...@ori.nic.in