U R G E N T
Design & People Launches Signature Campaign to Save Vaduthala
Cochin: Design & People, a city-based organisation of designers,
architects and creative professionals, in association with other
rights and environment groups launched a Signature Campaign on
December 29, 2007 (Saturday) to gather support for the ongoing
agitation by the inhabitants of Vaduthala. The organisation will held
an open forum followed by the screening of the documentary "Yamuna
Gently Weeps" by Ruzbeh N Bharucha at Changampuzha Memorial Park at
Edappally, Cochin on December 29, 2007 (Saturday) at 6:30pm. Prominent
human rights activists, environmentalists, writers from various parts
of the state participated in the event. Shri.K.T.Ravindran, senior
Architect and Urban Designer presided over the function.
Design & People have also started an online signature campaign at:
[1]
http://www.designandpeople.org/campaigns which will enable people
from other parts of the country to join the movement. A petition
addressed to Shri VS Achuthanandan, the Chief Minister of Kerala state
will be submitted along with the signatures.
Background: Vaduthala, a densly-populated area of Cochin Corporation
has been silently bearing the after-effects of two railway lines that
pass through the Vaduthala Crossing, Chittoor Road. This is how
Vaduthala has contributed to the growth of Cochin city. Constructing
another railway line through the Vaduthala Crossing is more than what
the residents can bear. The Vaduthala residents pledge to conserve
their land till the last breath. More over the people and their
supporters would never allow such a foolish and unscientific proposal
to become a reality at Vaduthala. The Cochin Port Trust proposed five
different railway alignment proposals for the Vallarpadam terminal.
The then Chief minister of Kerala Shri Ummen Chandi had promised in a
meeting with Vaduthala Janakeeya Samithi, to take up the proposal that
causes the least disturbance to the people. He also promised to
maintain transparency in all the deeds relating to the proposal of
this railways line. The failure to fulfill this promise has resulted
in Vaduthala residents' agitation and protest.
To know more about the campaign, or to get involved, call: 98470
44248, 9387301912 or email: [2]support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or log on
to: [3]
http://www.designandpeople.org/campaigns
"The planning of this project is not only against policy, but is
therefore a farce against people. Use of force to push the project can
only create problems as it is known from projects and struggles from
Narmada to Nandigram. History of rehabilitation is infested with or is
full of problems which indicate that avoiding displacement should be
the foremost goal in planning development."
Medha Patkar
Design & People identify how design can intervene to make a
contribution to the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of people
disadvantaged by war, disability, and political and environmental
conditions. We unite and encourage graphic, industrial and
architectural designers to use their experience and skills towards
social and humanitarian projects. Mission: Design For People In Need.
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Bring your gang together - do your thing. [4]Start your group.
References
1.
http://www.designandpeople.org/campaigns
2.
mailto:support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
3.
http://www.designandpeople.org/campaigns
4.
http://in.rd.yahoo.com/tagline_groups_2/*http://in.promos.yahoo.com/groups