Hunger Strike in Mehendiganj Ends

Central Pollution Control Board orders state board to investigate Coke; National awareness drive of unethical Coke policies to begin.

With the Central Pollution Control Board ordering the state state board to evaluate the toxicity levels in ground water, Mehdiganj and the sludge from the cola company the affect of centralized extraction by the cola company on the ground water levels, Nandlal and Mukesh ended their hunger fast on the 5^th day.

The community of Mehdiganj has given an ultimatum of one month to the state pollution board to compile the report. If the state pollution control board fails to submit a report in one month, then community would again go on a protest.

The 100 day protest against Coca-Cola as part of the community’s agitation in Mehandiganj with support from people from other parts of UP will now take the form of a National level agitation against the policies of Coke. Medha Patkar and Sandeep Pandey declared historic 'National Jal Satyagraha' at Delhi

In a huge gathering of men, women and farmers joining Mehandiganj people from different parts of UP Medha Patkar and Sandeep Pandey, Nandalal and Mukesh along with thousands of people declared intensified agitation against coke and 'National Jal Satyagraha' at Delhi in September 2006.

With this promise and resolution the 100 day long dharna (protest) and indefinite fast of Nandlal and Mukesh which entered 5th day today was called off. Over 1000 women arriving from the far flung villages were in the fore front of these decision and many of them challenged coke and took oath that come what may they will drive these companies that are exploiting local resources and people not only from Mehandiganj but also from India.

Coke also organized a counter rally of about 25 women many of whom said they had been paid to participate. Many did not because they were aware of the issues.

'We may be able to get food from out side but what will be do without water, we cannot allow our children's future to become dark zone because of these water steeling and water polluting coca cola companies' said Tara ben and many other women who gathered in Mehandiganj.

The community has also started a water recharge program since July 1st. They also dug out a pond to start the work on water –recharge. Around 300-400 villagers put in volunteer hours digging the pond on land donated by an individual in the village.

'We will give our life to drive these companies out of our soil and will not hesitate to give our life for saving water protecting  land and natural resources' was the words of Meera ben with hope, enthusiasm and spirit.  Majority of the women who had gathered requested Nandlal and Mukesh to break the fast as for now and take the agitation at national level.

People from all over India and abroad came to show solidarity and support to the agitation. NAPM's National convenors from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai came to support the  struggle and join hand with mehandiganj people. 

In her address to the gathering Medha Patkar challenged the Coca -Cola Company on their violation of all the environmental norms and the exploitation of natural resources. She said that it is no more the issue alone of Mehandiganj but a much larger issue which is creating havoc in the life of people in Plachimada in Kerala, Kala Dera, in Rajasthan and many other areas in India where Coke- Pepsi and even many water bottling plants are established.  

Water is being sold at phenomenal cost and this has converted a very fundamental, and essential for life -'common people's resources' into a 'commodity' which is a blatant violation of people's right and against the Indian culture.

Sandeep Pandey brought to the notice of the adverse health impact of the coke consumption on children.

Lok Samiti and Nandlal intend to work in other places and dig out more ponds as part of water recharge and awareness drive for water conservation. For the next one month, Nandlal and other will be traveling in UP to bring awareness about the water issues.

The agitation thus was called off with more enthusiasm and renewed energy to take it at the national level.

Based on notes sent by Lok Samiti, volunteers of AID and Asha who participated in the protests and spoke with Nandlal

Related Links
Are Coke’s Spinning Wheels Coming Off?
Community Groups demand Coke, Pepsi Stop Exploitation
Coke Too Big for Lower Courts and Other Stories
Pepsi & Coke Facing Ban, Consumer Boycott
Posted by collective at July 03, 2006 06:52 PM