Hundreds of families consisting of thousands of people who have been displaced without rehabilitation and whose lands are under submergence for several years now,  have taken food grain relief via the Jansahyog program in 2004 and 2005.  All the money raised until August 2005 via this web-site has been sent to India.  Through these monsoon months the Jansahyog food grain relief continues with your support.  Please continue to donate generously through this site. The status of the people getting food grains since Oct 2004 will be posted once the post-monsoon relief is done this year.

Meanwhile in March 2005 the Supreme Court of India has finally acknowledged the people's plight and has severely criticized the governments for not rehabilitating the adivasi families while raising the Sardar Sarovar dam's height up to 110 metres in 2004.  It has ordered immediate rehabilitation of temporarily and permanently affected families by giving alternate agricultural land.  It has said that the dam cannot be raised any further until the rehabilitation is completed.  Due to the court ruling, the dam which was awaiting NCA's nod to go up to 120 Meters in May 2005, has been stayed at 110 metres this year.  Thus the effect of submergence is expected to be similar to last year.

We welcome the Supreme Court's ruling and hope that the 30,000 remaining families (out of a total of 45,000 families whose houses and/or lands are being submerged) still living in the Narmada valley, are rehabilitated before the dam goes upto 120 metres, as per the Supreme Court's orders.

Newspaper article on SC ruling: http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/30/stories/2005033012071500.htm
Detailed report on SC ruling: http://www.indiatogether.org/2005/apr/hrt-dampafs.htm

October 2004.

Two rounds of grain distribution are over now. Between July 14^th and 23^rd , the first round of grain distribution was done to 98 families of which 13 families were from Alirajpur tehsil, Jhabua district, M.P., 13 from Akrani tehsil and 72 families from Akkalkuva tehsil, both Nandurbar district, Maharashtra. In August 2004 another 60 families were covered in Akkalkuva and Akrani tehsils in Maharashtra. The kinds of grains distributed include Makkai, Jowar, Urad, Chana and Chawali.

Additionally, 100 plastic sheets/ tarpaulin were distributed to those families whose houses were severely damaged in the rains and who needed shelter from the onslaught of heavy rains.

The process of distribution is still in progress. Difficulties in transporting the grains in the Valley and shortage of human resources are some of the hurdles we need to overcome soon. A definite assurance of financial support will help us to reach out to all those who are severely affected. That will be also be a gesture from our part that we respect their determination to struggle.

We appeal you to be a part of Jansahayog. We also appeal to you to pass on the message and introduce your friends also to Jansahayog. Rs. 5000 to sustain a family for 6 months is affordable for many families.

Pervin Jehangir & Suhas Kolhekar, for NNNA & BSFC