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Anti-Privatization Rallies on World Water Day-Andheri E The Citizen's Forum of K East Ward is organising a rally in collaboration with the Institute of Community Organization Research on 1st April 2006 at the Holy Family School Hall, Chakala, Andheri (East), Mumbai. There will be two rallies. One will begin from Saibaba Temple, Mahakali Caves Road at 3:30 p.m. and Sacred Heart Church, Mahakali Caves Road at 4 p.m. The other group will come in from Sahar Church. Both rallies will congregate at Holy Family School Hall. The rally will be addressed by a panel of distinguished speakers including, o Dr Vibhuti Patel, Head of the Department of Economics, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai. o Mihir Desai, Advocate Mumbai High Court and Joint Editor, Combat Law o Ms Domnica Dabre, a social activist with Harit Vasai Saurakshan Samiti The Venue: Holy Family School Hall, Chakala, Andheri (East), Mumbai The Time: 5 pm to 7 pm WE WANT TO HAVE A SAY OVER OUR WATER AND MANAGE IT OURSELVES In what may be its first step towards privatizing water in the city, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has appointed a private consultant to study water supply management in Andheri (K-east ward) and recommend a better system for billing and collection of dues. After this survey, the BMC will outsource the collection of bills for the area to another company. If the pilot project works, it will be extended to the rest of Mumbai. Reasons why we oppose privatization: a. It leads to increase in rates of water b. Privatisation could undermine water quality c. Water companies are accountable to its shareholders and not the consumers d. Privatisation fosters corruption e. Privatisation reduces local control and public rights f. Private financing costs more than government financing g. Privatisation leads to loss of jobs h. Privatisation is difficult to reverse i. BMC has not run into a loss in its management of water We state: a. Water is a right of all people. It is a basic human right of the people. Every individual must have water for personal consumption and for livelihood activities. There should be no distinction amongst individuals and groups of people as far as availability of and access of water is concerned. b. We recognise that the availability of water is not infinite. It is limited. It is therefore necessary to have a rational and long-term plan for conservation, renewal, augmentation, and management of the water resources of the country. The plan must be democratic, socially just, and environmentally sane. c. Mini and micro projects suitable to the area, planned (in cooperation with experts and central planners), executed, controlled and managed by local collectivities must find sufficient importance in the policy. d. The people have right over water but this is the right to access and use. It is a stewardship and usufruct right. It is not a monopoly right of ownership or control. e. Women shoulder the major responsibility in collecting and transporting water for personal consumption. Their participation and opinions in the planning for water must have a priority. f. There must be no privatization of water supply. Any privatization is denial or restriction of access and thus a violation of the basic human rights. Capacity to buy must not become the right to wastefully utilize water. We demand: a. The citizens of K East Ward be consulted at every stage in the management of water. b. There be transparency from the side of the Government and the people's right to information be respected. Supporting organizations include: Promoting People's Participating In Water Governance Apli Mumbai, Civic Political Cells of Andheri Shehri Vikas Manch Ashankur Yuva ICHRL Surakhsa Jeevan Dai Please Contact: Allwyn D' Sylva Director Institute of Community Organization Research Ph: 28756953 Mob: 9820068257 India Centre for Human Rights and Law 4th Floor CVOD Jain School, 84 Samuel Street, Dongri Mumbai 400009 India Phone: (91) (22) 2343 9651 and 23436692 Fax: (91) (22) 2343 3698 email: documentation@ichrl.org <mailto:training@ichrl.org> |
| Also see : Rainwater Harvesting, Water : News Articles |
