Pranab Mukherjee

You should support our forests by clicking here Dear URVASHI, The coal versus forest tussle has intensified. A decision will be taken soon by the Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Pranab Mukherjee. Their first meeting is tomorrow, Thursday, the 17th. [1] Last year environment and forest minister Jairam Ramesh marked certain dense forests as No Go zones for coal mining.[2] The coal ministry however wants access to all these areas.[3] The GoM is now going to decide if we should destroy these forests and the biodiversity they hold to mine more polluting coal.[4] Over 27,000 people have already pledged their support for the forests and these signatures will be delivered to Mr. Mukherjee tomorrow. We have 24 hours to add more signatures to this pledge. More signatures will help show the support forests have in this country. You should ask Pranab Mukherjee to hold a public consultation before deciding on this issue. http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/public-consultation-on-forests/ There isn't much time. Those in favour of mining our forests seem to dominate the GoM. More people standing up for forests will strengthen the demand and help put pressure on the GoM to act. These forests are crucial to the livelihood of millions and home to wildlife like tigers, leopards and elephants.[5] There are clean and viable renewable energy options which can minimize our dependence on coal. [6] However, once destroyed a natural forest cannot be re-created. The GoM's decision will affect threatened biodiversity and the livelihood of millions. Minister Pranab Mukherjee needs to hear what the people of this country want. You should support our forests by asking Mr. Mukherjee to hold a public consultation. http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/public-consultation-on-forests/ Thanks a billion! Preethi Herman Climate Campaigner Greenpeace India Sources: 1. No-go zoning plan on GoM menu, Times of India, February, 11, 2011 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/No-go-zoning-plan-on-GoM-menu/articleshow/7471754.cms 2. 35% of India's coal mining areas are in 'no go' zones, DNA, March 27, 2010 http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_35pct-of-india-s-coal-mining-areas-are-in-no-go-zones_1363884 3. Allow mining in 90% no-go zones, Hindustan Times, October 29 2010 http://www.hindustantimes.com/Allow-mining-in-90-no-go-zones/Article1-619206.aspx 4. GoM will look into sensitive 'no-go' mining areas, Deccan Herald, January 13, 2011 http://www.deccanherald.com/content/128848/cabinet-decides-set-up-gom.html 5. Forests will rescue India, says Jairam Ramesh, new.rediff.com, August 11, 200 http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/aug/11/slide-show-1-forests-are-indias-rescuer-says-jairam-ramesh.htm 6. Greenpeace provides an alternate energy vision for India, Greenpeace, March 24, 2009 http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/news/greenpeace-provides-an-alterna/ P.S. Want to support our campaigns? We don't take money from any corporation, government or political party! We never have, and we never will. Do help Greenpeace remain fiercely and proudly independent. Click here to chip in. Greenpeace on the web We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube - join our friends list. Why have I received this mail? Either because you signed up as a Greenpeace India cyber-activist or a friend forwarded this mail to you. How do I subscribe? To receive regular updates from Greenpeace India, sign up here. How do I unsubscribe? To stop receiving messages on how you can help the planet click here. How can I help more? You can help by forwarding this message to everyone on your email list. You can also donate to keep us going strong! Where do I send feedback? Please send all feedback to ocampaig@greenpeace.org Greenpeace India, #60 Wellington Street, Richmond Town, Bangalore 560025