Are you an environmentalist concerned with the future of our oceans? Are you a proponent of human rights who is shocked by the murder of Lt. Colonel Save? Are you a student who wants justice served and people to come before profits?

This week's Making A Difference is particularly important, because the people and the environment that will be affected by the planned port at Umbergaon don't have the power that you do. The people are mostly illiterate and are just learning, through necessity, about the political world around them. India is very concerned about its image around the world, so each letter you write has great power behind it. This port is still in its early stages, and can be stopped with little damage to the environment and without much financial loss to the developers.

After reading my dispatch about Umbergaon, write the following people and let them know how you feel about the proposed project, and the police abuse that has resulted in the death of Colonel Save. Point out to them that the port will be destructive both environmentally and socially. Remind them that there are other ports nearby that can and should be upgraded.

Ask for an investigation into the death of Colonel Save, and remind them that police brutality against non-violent protestors is not acceptable behavior for a government that calls itself a democracy.

Vocabulary proponent - someone who argues in support of something; an advocate brutality - the quality of being ruthless, cruel, harsh, or inhumane

Unlike the Narmada issue, you will find no videos and no web page about the situation at Umbergaon. Until that comes about, you can write to the Kinara Bachao Sangharsh Samiti--the organization trying to save this coastline, at kinarabachao@yahoo.com, and ask to be included in updates sent out.

Chief Minister of Gujarat
Mr. Keshubhai Patel
Nava Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar
Gujarat 382 010
Fax (02712) 22101

Shri K R Narayanan
The President of India,
Rashtrapati Bhavan,
New Delhi - 110 004.
Fax: 011 - 3017290

Shri Atal Bihari Vaypayee
The Prime Minister of India,
7, Safdarjung Road,
New Delhi- 110 011.

Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Government of India,
Paryawaran Bhawan,
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi- 110 003.
Fax: 011-4362827 (fax number of the Deputy Director(S))
Tel: 011-4360478 (telephone number of the Deputy Director (S))

We were unable to get the e-mail addresses of these authorities.

Now go out and write! And tell your friends, too!

Thanks!

Abeja