Controversial Corporations
The parties involved in BMIC
Who's who, and what's their position?

Grass roots community groups as well as research & advocacy groups are working together in questioning the various clearances given to BMIC project. They are raising key issues of transparency, accountability, technical competence and right to information in the public review process.

Groups include:

Environment Support Group ®| Mysore Grahakara Parishat

Working since 1996 and formally established in 1998, Environment Support Group (ESG) is an independent non-profit non-governmental organisation, registered under the Indian Trusts Act. ESG believes in promoting a pattern of development that is socially just, economically viable, ecologically sustainable, politically participatory and culturally sensitive.

ESG has worked with a wide range of organisations and coalitions at the local, regional, national and international levels in a variety of collaborations. Collaborations include those with the United Nations Environment Program, World Commission on Dams, Right to Information Network, National Law School of India University, various local Government bodies and, supporting Public Interest Litigations by various community organisations.

A quest for transparency, accountability and technical competence by all parties whether they be citizens, government or corporate bodies and officials underlies this work.

Examples of ESG's work and achievements include:

  • Exposing Ernst & Young's plagiarised Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (REIA) for Dandeli Dam - plagiarised from an EIA for the Tattihalla Augmentation Scheme - termed by Indian Express as the worst ever scam in environmental decision making history of India.

  • Providing support (legal, research, networking with groups affected by similar projects in the USA) to community groups affected by the Cogentrix thermal power plant planned for the ecologically sensitive Dakshina Kannada region, leading to the cancellation of this project, exposure of corruption, and of lax implementation standards.

  • Supporting (legal, research support) groups affected by the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project in their quest for public information, public hearings and transparency in the review process for this project; a project fraught with human rights abuses, fraud and flouting of environmental regulations.

This is just a sample of ESG's work. ESG is also extensively involved in legal and environmental workshops and education, media campaigns on public interest issues and the international NGO campaign to reform export credit agencies. ESG receives financial support from individuals and foundations, and consists of individuals with qualifications, experience and expertise in Ecology, Environmental Science, Botany, Law, and Social Science.

Environment Support Group ® may be contacted at:

S-3, Rajashree Apartments
18/57, 1st Main Road
S. R K. Gardens
Jayanagar, Bannerghatta Road
Bangalore 560 041
INDIA.
Telefax: 91-80-6341977
Fax: 91-80-6723926 (PP)
Email: esg@bgl.vsnl.net.in
Website: http://www.altindia.net/esg/index.htm


Mysore Grahakara Parishat | Environment Support Group

Registered in 1989, Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) is a voluntary organisation founded for the purpose of consumer education, activism and assistance. Since that time however it has grown both in membership and in scope. With 600 members in the Mysore area, MGP volunteers work not only on consumer issues but also on environmental education and activism, civic activism and public interest litigation. The quest for transparency and accountability by all parties, whether citizens, government or commercial, underlies this work.

Examples of their activities and achievements include:

  • Winning a case in the High Court against Vikrant Tyres plant in Hebbal to construct a new chimney to reduce the effects of pollution from the plant,
  • Winning a case in the High Court to prevent sewage pollution of Kukkarahalli Tank, and cleaning up the tank,
  • Conducting classes in schools to create awareness among young children about basic civil and environmental duties,
  • Helping to provide civic amenities to new localities
  • Awarding of "Certificates of Excellence" to shops which have maintained excellence in service to consumers
  • Publishing several books and magazines to inform citizens of Mysore about consumer rights and environmental and civic issues that affect Mysore and surrounding areas

This is just a sample of the activities that MGP is involved with. MGP received financial support from sympathetic businesses, industrial firms and individuals in and around Mysore.

Mysore Grahakara Parishat may be contacted at:

President, Mysore Grahakara Parishat
6/1, Vivekananda Road
Yadavagiri
Mysore - 570 017
INDIA
Telephone : 91-821-515150
Email: sgvombatkere@hotmail.com