Environmental, Social Justice & Governance Initiatives
2020 was a momentous year for the whole world. The never before experienced event of a global pandemic not only upended lives, it also forced us to adjust to a new normal and to press on despite the challenges that surfaced as part of the emerging world order. It goes without saying that Covid-19 influenced in a major way the work we do at ESG. However, this year was also a big year of learning
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Karnataka High court ruled in Environment Support Group (ESG) lakes case (WP 817/2008) on 11 April 2012 that every district would have a lake protection cmt to entertain any complaint or proposal to protect and rehabilitate lakes and Raja kaluves for posterity – as biodiversity and livelihood rich wetlands. In case the district Cmts failed to resolve the concern or dispute, a quasi judicial body at the state level headed by the Revenue Secretary along
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In collaboration with Program on Science, Technology and Society, Harvard Kennedy School, USA & Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Germany, as part of a project on Governance of Sociotechnical Transformation in this interrogating discussion on Governance and Financial Implications of ‘Smart Cities’.
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The core idea was to develop a critical outlook to the Smart Cities Mission in the overall landscape of governance and planning.
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T Peter, General Secretary of the National Fishworkers Forum (NFF), passed away on 8 October 2020 from COVID-19 related complications in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was 62 years old. For over three decades, Peter worked as a full time activist and union organiser. He especially worked for the empowerment of India’s fishing communities and played a critical role in advancing their struggles from the margins into the political mainstream. Peter joined the Kerala Independent Fishworkers Federation
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Leo Saldanha of Environment Support Group speaks on rethinking aspects of our governance system in post-pandemic times.
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Peter Thomas, the incredible leader of the National Fishworkers Forum – NFF India has lost his battle to COVID. India has lost a leader who fought on the streets throughout his life for the rights of fisherfolk and other vulnerable communities Rest In Peace Peter. Millions inspired by you will carry on the struggle.
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The Better Bus Bengaluru webinar series was conceptualised by Environment Support Group, in collaboration with Bengaluru Moving to provide a platform for conversations on just how mobility in the city can be revitalised, and turned into sustainable and effective, through deeply democratic processes.
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Date & Time: 19 September 2020, 5 p.m.-7.30 p.m.
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Veeranna Arahunashi (aged 59) lost his battle with COVID today (26 Aug 2020). Veeranna was an awe inspiring teacher, movement organiser, creative farmer, and a pillar of strength to Arunodaya Poirada, a civil society organisation and farm-school located in Papinayakanahalli, halfway between Bellary and Hospet, co-founded by Sr. Mary Mathew with Veeranna. ESG partners with Arunodaya Poirada in multiple social justice and environmental initiatives. As Bellary district was ravaged by massive illegal iron ore mining
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The final webinar as part of the “Better Bus Bengaluru” campaign with #BengaluruMoving is on Friday, 28th August 2020 (4-6 pm on Zoom and Facebook) when we will address the theme: “Streamlining and calming traffic, and making cities inclusive for all”.
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The first of the series is on Thursday the 20th of August 2020 5-6.30 pm IST
Read moreBelow letter is a representation urging postponement of Public Hearing on 18th August 2020 regarding the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) proposal of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) being held in blatant disregard for rule of law, judicial directives and in violation of Central, State and Local Government orders relating to COVID-19 pandemic per Disaster Management Act, 2005
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Demonstrated using the example of Krishnarajapura Kere On 11th April 2012, a Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court issued a final order in a Public Interest Litigation filed by ESG (WP 817/2008) seeking an end to the policy of privatisation of lakes, and for advancing a participatory schema that would assist protection and rehabilitation of lakes (and their canal networks) in Bangalore and across Karnataka. A direct result of this PIL is that the
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Statement of the Coalition for Environmental Justice in India Demand a Comprehensive New Substantive Environmental Law to Regulate Development in consonance with Environment Protection Act, 1986 The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) put out the Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification 2020 for public comment on 23rd March 2020, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nation-wide lockdown as a means to contain COVID-19 pandemic. The Notification was thus issued for public
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Fieldwork conducted during May 20th & 21st, 2020 in 20 Wards of Bangalore
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Speakers: Leo Saldanha and Suhrith Parthasarathy Date: 09.07.2020 Time: 5:00 P.M. onwards UPDATE The entire discussion can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIUMj2hs0LE
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The three sisters were desperately waiting for their institutional quarantine to finish on June 24 when their mother passed away. To read the full article by Leo F. Saldanha, click here.
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This article, by Bhargavi Rao, argues that it is time to allow farmers to make the choice of what to cultivate and how, rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Public Statement : 11 May 2020 by Coalition for Environmental Justice in India (CEJI) Download the statement in pdf format Environmental and Regulatory authorities complicit in such disasters The early morning leak of a deadly gas from L G Polymers plant located west of Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh on 7th May, is frighteningly reminiscent of the disastrous gas leak in Bhopal from the Union Carbide/Dow Chemical’s plant on the night of 2-3rd December 1984. Video
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We assist them to continue living a dignified life through the pandemic lock-down. This means they do not have to depend on daily handouts. We provide them at least two weeks of dry rations. With the lock-down extended, they now need more help.
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a. Top References b. Key Orders, Circulars and Advisories from Indian Central and State Agencies regarding tackling COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 Circulars & Orders from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Advisories and Guidelines by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Orders from Ministry of Finance Orders from Ministry of Labour Advisories from Ministry of AYUSH Orders, Guidelines and Advisories from National Disaster Management, Government of India Food Corporation of India (FCI) Circular reg COVID-19 National
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Distress Migration forced by Lockdown without appropriate Preparation: India executed the biggest lockdown in human history by imposing curfew and forcing 1.3 billion citizens to stay home from 24th March 2020. The initial three weeks lock down has now been extended to 3rd May 2020. This sudden announcement unleashed chaos across the country as migrant workers, daily wagers, the poor and travelling public were left stranded. Without money and food, millions were forced to stay
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Police Brutality: As India goes into an extended lockdown till 3rd May 2020, a range of police excesses have been reported. Instead of helping distraught citizens cope with these frustrating and hungry times, various accounts of police brutality has demonstrated an aggressive face of the government. While public messaging has spoken essentially to the needs of middle and upper classes, the poor are running from pillar to post in search of food and socio-economic security,
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These are recorded videos of the webinar: Solidarity Series: Conversations during lockdown & beyond, conducted between March 31, 2020 and April 17, 2020. The Webinar is being conducted by Centre for Financial Accountability (CFA), New Delhi. This webinar is aimed for activists who want to explore the concepts in depth, develop conceptual clarity & understanding on some of the issues we all work on, & grapple with. We believe it will help us in our
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