earthfirst – Page 271

25,000 blockade world’s longest dam in India

Solidarity would be hugely appreciated as India’s Supreme Court looks like it is going to rule in favour of mining corporation Vedanta to be able to mine the Niyamigiri Hills in Orissa, which will mean the death of thousands of people and will set a precedent for the mining of all of India’s forests.

25,000 farmers are to form a human chain around one of the worlds largest dams in protest against development by British mining corporation Vedanta Resources PLC. Central to the conflict are issues over water allocation to the aluminium industry and a bauxite mining project whose effects India’s Supreme Court have been warned by its own investigatory committee would lead to “cultural genocide.” [1]

Farmers in India’s poorest state, Orissa, have gradually been losing the right to water from the Hirakud dam since it began to irrigate and produce energy for the region in 1947. Whilst they claim that today only 25% of their fields receive any irrigation, allocation of water to heavy industry has increased by over 27 times within the past ten years. [2] The major benefactor of this is the aluminium industry, Hindalco and Vedanta, present in Orissa due to its rich bauxite deposits [aluminium ore] and the huge amount of water available from the Hirakud dam. [3]

Vedanta is currently on the crux of winning a legal battle granting it the right to mine three million tonnes of bauxite from the most biodiverse forest region in Orissa, the Niyamgiri hills. The mining threatens many rare species of animals and plants which inhabit the region, as well as the existence of an entire tribal population, the Dongaria Kondhs.

Today is the latest confrontation between different interest groups in a ‘water war’ which reflects growing global conflicts over water shortages in a drying planet. Police have fired on and killed demonstrators in previous mass protests in Orissa and it is likely that following the recent contentious pro-Vedanta decisions of India’s Supreme Court, conflicts may well become more heated.

Feel like ringing up Vedanta to tell them to screw themselves? Good!

investorrelations@vedantaresources.com

Sumanth Cidambi
Associate Director Investor Relations
Telephone: +91 22 6646 1444

Vedanta Resources plc
16 Berkeley Street
London W1J 8DZ

Robin Walker & Faeth Birch

Finsbury Communications
52-58 Tabernacle Street
London
EC2A 4NJ

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7251 3801

taken from http://www.vedantaresources.com/contactus.htm

Occupation Struggles Heat Up In Reading – Common Ground Community Garden

Press Release (For Immediate Release):
THREE ARRESTED @ COMMON GROUND!

At 11am on Monday 5th November, three people were stopped by police in an unmarked police car whilst removing boarding from the entrance of the Common Ground Community Garden in Katesgrove. Carl, one of the arrestees, explained that he told the police officer he was “removing the boarding of the community garden so that the community could use the garden”. “The police officer then called the council,” said carl, and “I overheard that the council official wanted the police to arrest us so that they could have a photo of our faces”. The three young men were arrested for ‘attempted burglary’ and ‘going equipped’, hand cuffed and taken to Reading police station where they were added to the ever growing Police DNA database and then held in custody cells for almost eight hours. One of them commented that he could see his teaching career go down the drain as he sat in the cell.

Press Release (For Immediate Release):
THREE ARRESTED @ COMMON GROUND!

The Common Ground Community Garden Collective had decided to reopen the garden despite council opposition. Since the council regained control over the garden site it has returned to being vandalised and criminal groups have been entering the derelict houses to steal copper piping and lead from the roofs. “We want this damage to stop” said local resident Stu. “Having the community garden open here stopped 5 years of crime, vandalism and decay. Two weeks of council control threatened to reverse that. So on Sunday we repaired the fences and benches, secured the buildings and tidied the litter up. Opening up the front entrance was the last thing we needed to do to reopen the garden for public use”.

After eight hours in custody the young men were questioned. “When the police finally understood that we were gaining access to the garden from the road, not one of the buildings, they dropped the case and let us go”. One officer said to Carl “we dont have a problem with you doing good things for the community”.

This is a prime example of how important it is for people to know their legal rights in the face of police officers and other authorities who often do not know or care.

Common Ground Collective now have new plans to continue our fight, to find out more or get involved or offer your help please email us at:

katesgrovegarden(AT)yahoo.co.uk

Thanks!

http://www.myspace.co.uk/common_ground_garden

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In Reading, as the entire town is flogged off to international money-men and and the needs of the people go ignored, its difficult to make the priorities and forces running our neighbourhoods and our world, and the injustice that results, more obvious. But two ongoing struggles in the Katesgrove area of the town do just that.

Common Ground Community Garden was created early this year by local residents, squatters and activists on derelict council owned land. For five years the council had left three buildings and the surrounding land in Silver Street as a junkyard, filled with trash and needles. When a cut in council funding meant that the voluntary ‘Womens Information Centre’ next door also became derelict, squatters moved in, and quickly decided to do something about the site next to them. From January to May, they worked directly-democratically, using recycling and the generosity of neighbours and family to create a community garden.

Two days before the opening day on May 19th, Reading Council began to respond in the same way they planned to carry on: with criminalisation and threats. Of course, the collective also set their tone: resistance! The council secured an injunction banning the open day and up to 200 local residents ignored it, enjoying the garden, live music and a BBQ. The council then secured an injunction banning the daily opening of the garden and the holding of community events. Yet every day for the next five months the garden was open to all, and has been enjoyed by many local residents of all ages and colours. Some even took the initiative to regularly work in the garden, weeding and cutting the grass. Meanwhile more community BBQ’s were held throughout the summer. The council then obtained an eviction order to evict the squatters and close down the garden. Twice, in June and August, local residents and activist friends mobilised to defend the garden, and both times the council chickened out. Finally, on October 18th council officials and baillifs, backed up by cops, evicted the squatters and dragged one local resident (also an AFer) from the garden, before boarding the site up.

However, it aint over yet! Since that day, the buildings have been repeatedly re-opened by squatters and re-sealed by builders, pissing the council off no end. Less-positively the garden began to return to the state of disrepair it was in a year ago, as vandalism and theft crept back in. So, this week, people involved in Common Ground decided to re-open the garden – an act which is not illegal. However, since when has the law ever mattered to people in power? Cops in an ummarked car arrested the three gardeners half way through their task. When they phoned the council to ask if they wanted the gardeners arrested, the reply overheard was “yes, so we can get a photo of their faces”. The three were nicked for ‘attempted burglary and going equipped’ before being added to the DNA database and held in the cells for eight hours. Eventually, after explaining to the interviewing cops that they werent breaking into a building, but opening the garden (as they had originally explained to the arresting officers!), the three were released without charge.

The reasons for the councils attacks on this wondeful community initiative are obvious: They want to privatise the site, dumping their responsibility to use land to fulfill social needs and facilitating a developer making huge profits. The company in question is named Unite, and plan to build private student accomodation (renowned for ripping students off), despite the university holding two student halls buildings empty round the corner so they can flog them for development into more unnafordable flats – its all about profit over people. Despite this, Common Ground aim to offer their services to the authorities as ‘caretakers’ for the site, while planning a campaign against the development and for a directly-democratic process for the community to decide what happens to the site long-term. In addition, they plan to re-open the garden next weekend for a one-day community event.

Meanwhile a little way down the road, similar processes are at work, as profiteering bosses are seeking the eviction of up to 40 squatters. Townsend House is a 53 bedroom building, in the same area as Common Ground which was originally run by a charity as a shelter for vulnerable women. However, in what looks like a seriously dodgy deal, the building was ‘internally’ sold in 2006 to the charities parent company for less than £100,000 and the women were re-housed by the council! The property then stood empty for a year before being squatted in June this year. Since then it has become home to a diverse community of people, including migrants, families with children, unemployed or retired workers and assorted young people. It is organised through weekly assemblies, and though definitely not perfect, it is an interesting example of a self-managed community.

Of course, now the corporation wants it back, ironically claiming they want to ‘house vulnerable people’! A recent court hearing gave the squatters a three week adjournment, but no doubt the law will protect the bosses ‘property rights’ over the needs of the residents in the end. However, it looks possible that the residents could resist eviction through direct-action if legal means fail, and local activists could lend their support.

For more info or to offer your support and help to either of these projects please contact

katesgrovegarden(AT)yahoo.co.uk
defendtownsendhousehotmail.co.uk

Tara – Transport minister has transport problems

November 2nd 2007

Diggers dived and Dempsey done

“transport problems for dept of transports noel dempsey”

Conservationists angry at what they call,’The desecration of Ireland’s cultural heritage’ laid siege to a Trim hotel (Friday 2nd nov) where transport minister Noel Dempsey celebrated another government decentralisation project.

November 2nd 2007

Diggers dived and Dempsey done

“transport problems for dept of transports noel dempsey”

Following a morning of succesful digger diving by 2 crews at Collierstown and soldiers hill,where 1 activist was arrested for not giving his name,then released an hour later.

Some of the 40 Tara M3 protestors dodged security to enter the rear of the Knightsbrook Hotel and golf resort where the reception was taking place,

At one point catering staff – some Polish – were sent to confront them.

Earlier, 10 conservationists harangued the veteran politician as he left the construction site for the new Office of Public Works, where he had turned the first sod.

His day was further spoiled when it was discovered that two tyres of his ministerial Merecedes had been let down.

A spokesman for Tara Solidarity Vigil said: “The graves of the ancient Fianna have been bulldozed, the bones dug up and the remains are still awaiting re-interment to their original resting place.

“It is blatant grave robbery and Irish people should be disgusted,

“Imagine if Glasnevin (Dublin) had a proposed motorway going right through it in 2000 years time.

“The aim was not to scare Mr Dempsey but to have a chance to communicate our concern at his lack of interest in an alternative, cheaper M3 route avoiding the Tara Skyrne Valley where there is potential for a rail line and for valuable tourism for generations to come.

“This proposed UNESCO World Heritage Park will thus be an asset to the people of Ireland.”

Resistance is growing from Rossport to Tara, and our actions are increasing in their effectiveness,as is evident from the government censoring www.tarapixie.net on public access internet terminals. This means we are winning somewhere and have raised major concerns within the halls of power. As song,poetry and music were once again heard in the halls of Tara over Samhain. We hope all Irish and international networks will rally to the support of the Tara Valley.Activists urgently needed now numbers are low after the Samhain celebration.As activists dig in for the winter support,food,warm gear and people needed.Hear the call.

http://www.tarapixie.net

Autumn EF! Action Update out – and advance notice of the Winter Moot, 22-24 February (gathering of eco-activists), Nottingham

The latest issue of the quarterly EF!AU was dished up at the Anarchist Bookfair – bursting at the seams, it had to be turned into a bumper issue, with a round-up of the actions around the time of the Camp for Climate Action, plus loads of action reports from around the world since then – from pieing oil executives, blockading garages & airports, polar bears locking-on, sabotage, prisoners, occupied spaces, digger-diving, GM crop-trashing, to cake and the cunning use of mung beans (oh, and of course, much much more).

Download it to print out and share here. Do get in touch with the editorial collective to let them know if you’re dishing it up round your way, or need paper copies, or want to give them one of the rarer ingredients, dosh (to send it to prisoners, protest camps and far beyond) – their contact details and more are here

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The EF! Winter Moot will happen from 22nd – 24th February 2008, in Nottingham – more details nearer the time, as this is just advance notice.

It’s a gathering for environmental activists – in the past, it’s been a chance for people involved in all kinds of ecological direct action to get together for a weekend indoors to chat about where things are at in the UK, and so improve all aspects of how we work together, in order to take direct action in defence of the earth.

Contact 0845-0223 5254 for more info

Protest shackles Total Oil petrol station (& 7th November action call-out)

On 1st November protestors gathered at the 24-hour Total petrol station on Marylebone Road in central London. They were calling for Total Oil to pull out of Burma due to their funding of the Burmese military regime. The protest began at 5pm to coincide with rush hour.

The protest consisted of banners, placards, leaflets and a petition. One protestor wore shackles to signify the oppression of the Burmese people.

Within 10 minutes of the protest beginning staff closed the station, blocking off the forecourt and switching off the lights. Even the accompanying shop was shut. When it became apparent that the protest was continuing the police were contacted. One officer arrived and after consulting the staff told the demonstrators that there were not allowed onto the forecourt and risked arrest if they “interfered” with the business’s trade by blocking the entrance or locking onto any of the pumps. (It should be noted that none of the protestors had entered the forecourt or caused any “interference”.)

After an hour the station re-opened. The protest continued until 7.00pm.

http://www.totaloutofburma.blogspot.com

A worldwide day of action against French oil giant Total’s investment in Burma has been called for Wednesday 7th November, the day the company’s quarterly results are published. Total’s continued involvement in the operation of the Yadana gas pipeline in the south of the country, in partnership with Chevron-Texaco, is opposed by the country’s democratically-elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest or detention for 12 years. The pipeline earns the regime hundreds of millions of pounds in revenue every year, with only a tiny fraction reaching the Burmese people. The main customer for the pipeline is Thailand.

Critical Mass reports (October) – Sheffield, London

A pleasant ride across Sheffield with a number of cycling enthusiasts on Friday 26 October. Also accompanied by 2 police bike officers and a patrol car.

Come along on the next one.. last Friday of the month, 5:30pm at the University Concourse

A pleasant ride across Sheffield with a number of cycling enthusiasts on Friday 26 October. Also accompanied by 2 police bike officers and a patrol car.

Come along on the next one.. last Friday of the month, 5:30pm at the University Concourse

================

FIT on bikes at London Critical Mass

At least one officer from the FIT (Forwards Intelligence Team) were spotted on the critical mass without their usual blue-shoulder uniforms on and on bikes!

Sergeant CW 36 seen here at Climate Camp was seen on a bike with the regular bike cops on the Critical Mass. Have they decided to give up their climate killing cars and use peddle power to continue their agenda of intimidation? Have recent FITwatch actions made them think twice about being so open? Is this just one cop deciding to be a bike cop for a change?

Either way people should be aware that just because they can’t see FIT it doesn’t mean that the cops they see about them aren’t also gathering intelligence.

—–

A fairly smooth Halloween style ride with few if any police hassles.

There were a good numbers compared to the previous month. Several sound systems. No blocking junctions this time. Some London landmarks are highlighted in the video.

Video: http://www.archive.org/details/cm26-10-07

http://criticalmasslondon.org.uk

Three arrested in GM crop protest

ABC News, Oct 23 2007

Three Greenpeace activists have been arrested during a protest at Murray Goulburn’s Melbourne headquarters.

Protesters went into the building demanding the co-operative support bans on genetically engineered food crops.

ABC News, Oct 23 2007

Three Greenpeace activists have been arrested during a protest at Murray Goulburn’s Melbourne headquarters.

Protesters went into the building demanding the co-operative support bans on genetically engineered food crops.

Police had to forcibly remove three campaigners from the premises, but several protesters remain outside.

Campaigner, Louise Sales, says the dairy giant supports the reintroduction of GE crops for use in stock feed.

‘Murray Goulburn play a pivotal role in the dairy industry not only in Victoria but also in all of Australia,’ she said.

‘We think its important that they support clean healthy food for consumers and stand up for farmers and protect our GE free status,’ she said.

‘So I had a brief interchange with the managing director but he was fairly hostile and wasn’t really ready to engage,’ Ms Sales said.

‘So we will continue to pursue a meeting with Murray Goulburn to talk about their policy,’ she said.

http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/23/2067318.htm?section=justin

—

Greenpeace targets dairy giant over GM

Greenpeace activists are targetting a major milk processor in Melbourne, trying to halt the dairy industry’s support of genetically modified crops.

Murray Goulburn, produces milk, butter and cheese, and is one of the largest processors in the country.

Earlier this year the dairy industry reversed its position on the introduction of GM crops.

Louise Sales from Greenpeace says today’s protest at Murray Goulburn’s headquarters is an attempt to secure a meeting with management.

‘We believe they should be representing consumers, and consumers have made it clear they don’t want to eat GE food,’ she says.

‘Opinion polls consistently show that and Murray Goulburn should be respecting the wishes of its consumers and keeping its Devondale products GE free, and supporting the extension of the food crop bans.’

No-one from Murray Goulburn has been available for comment.

ABC Rural, 23/10/2007 http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/2007/s2067586.htm

Activists set up “Camp Hope” at Gloucester Airport

Activists have set up Camp Hope at Gloucester Airport in a protest over proposed expansion and increased aviation at Staverton in Gloucester

Peaceful protest against the airport’s impacts on noise, the environment, and the area’s image

The airport claims “only a small minority are opposed to the development,” Come and show them that you are not part of a small minority by making your voice heard.

This campaign is about more than an airport. It is about our resolve to adapt to climate change.

You can come and camp for the weekend, or just come for the Saturday or Sunday.

For more information email CampForTheFuture@btinternet.com

Take Action at Camp Hope 20th/21st October. A Climate Camp @ Staverton Airport, Gloucestershire.

Camp Hope 20th/21st October, Staverton Airport, Gloucestershire Airport

At a location close to the airport, see

http://www.myspace.com/campofhope

http://CampForHopeAtStaverton.blogspot.com/

More images can be found at http://www.radical-images.co.uk
and on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/radical_images/sets/72157602561523510/

New Ring Fort discovered at hill of Tara-activist arrested, plus reminder of Samhain action & celebration weekend

October 19, 2007

URGENT

Calling out for support NOW and for the rest of the day at main gate Soldiers Hill N3.

2 Protestors are locked on to a tripod and are not moving until an independent archaeological survey is carried out on the newly revealed site.

October 19, 2007

URGENT

Calling out for support NOW and for the rest of the day at main gate Soldiers Hill N3.

2 Protestors are locked on to a tripod and are not moving until an independent archaeological survey is carried out on the newly revealed site.

Please bring banners, leaflets, warm and waterproof clothing, phone credit, cameras, video equipment, food and water.

SPREAD THE WORD, CONTACT ALL MEDIA.

Thank you

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Reminder: Tara the Great Feast and Samhain celebration Oct31/Nov3rd

Samhain Celebration and big Actions come and revel and resist,calling out to all up for it possee.

Calling ALL PEOPLE to the defence of the Tara Valley, Ireland.
Halt the destruction of this ancient sacred site by the proposed M3 Motorway. We need you NOW! Diggers are destroying this World Heritage site NOW.

We invite you to come to the Hill of Tara and celebrate Samhain, Wed. Oct31st-Sat. Nov.3rd, the ancient Celtic New Year.
As well as havin it actions on Thurs Nov1st and Fri 2nd.
Also a regular monday route walk and action,digger diving and free adrenalin rush.

Experienced activists urgently needed,tree house builders,tunnelers,techies,networkers,media spinners,and midnight pixie commandos.

Dust off your climbing harness and come,all help and support appreciated.
If u cant make it to Tara,network where u are,organise a benefit,film showing,network flyers email the EU commissioner Stavros Dimos info on websites below.

Also to come and support ongoing actions throughout the coming year.
The tide is turning the resistance grows these road building culture destroying crazies aint seen nothing yet.The people are awakening,hear the call of the Ancestors

Please download flyer and posters,from www.tarapixie.net. or view info on www.circlecommunity.org ( Liftshares are available from London,Bristol,Brighton,Wales check website above)
Email to all contacts on your network.
Print copies and distribute, particularly in public places community centres and libraries.
Network it to the maximum.Thanks from Tara Support.

For more information

www.tarapixie.net www.tarawatch.org
www.circlecommunity.org www.savetara.com
www.indymedia.ie www.indymedia.org.uk

Posters and flyers downloadable from www.tarapixie.net

tarasupport@googlemail.com

Norwegian Whaling Vessel’s Career is Finished

Sea Shepherd News Releases 10/16/2007

Norwegian Whaling Vessel’s Career is Finished

The Willassen Senior, the Norwegian whaling vessel that was scuttled on August 30, 2007 in the northern city of Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands, will not be killing any more whales—ever again. The damage sustained by the vessel that was deliberately sunk by whale defenders exceeded $22 million kroner (over US $2 million). Sea Shepherd Conservation Society was pleased to learn that the Willassen Senior was not insured. The owners of the vessel have decided to scrap the ship, because they cannot afford to pay to repair the extensive damage caused to the electrical and mechanical systems by salt water. A group called Agenda 21 has taken credit for scuttling the whaling ship.

Sea Shepherd News Releases 10/16/2007

Norwegian Whaling Vessel’s Career is Finished

“One less whaling ship on the water translates into fewer whales being killed by these criminal whalers,” said Sea Shepherd Founder and President Captain Paul Watson. “The Agenda 21 team did an excellent job: no injuries, no evidence, no mistakes, and no more whaling. These are results that we can appreciate and admire.”

Immediately after the whaler was scuttled, the owners of other whaling vessels in Norway placed their ships under 24-hour guard. This translates into increased security costs for whaling ships, which cuts into whaling profits. “The whalers should be afraid of being scuttled,” said Captain Watson. “A vessel that is being operated in clear defiance of international conservation law and is involved with the illegal slaughter of these intelligent and gentle creatures has only one place—on the bottom of the sea!”

Norwegian police have been unsuccessful in identifying the Agenda 21 team members. All they have done so far is to seize a hard drive from an internet cafe in Svolvaer, based on a report that one of the sabotage team members may have been using a computer there. Police have confirmed that the Willassen Senior was deliberately sunk by a saboteur (or saboteurs) unknown. The ship was sunk when a pipe used to provide salt water cooling to the engine was removed. It took four hours for the ship to sink, allowing the whale defenders plenty of time to leave the area.

“This was not a crime,” said Captain Watson. “The Willassen Senior was a ship engaged in criminal activity specifically violating the International Whaling Commission’s global moratorium on commercial whaling activities. Sinking this whaler was an act of law enforcement, and we applaud this successful retirement of an illegal killing machine.”