Update on Chauranga.........Chhattisgarh Dear All, The fight against the Raipur sponge iron ltd. in Chauranga got some relief. The factory could not start its operation on 1st Feb due to strong protest put up by the villagers and support from the District Collector who promised not to allow industry to start. The villagers also made a presentation to the Governor and he promised to call an investigation in this matter. Though labourers are very much present within the factory premises, production operation could not start. The villagers also came to know that the Court Orders used by the factory owner to sart operation is two years old, of 2005. This court order was issued to the previous owner of the factory for protection. The District Collector very clearly stated that no one has come to him for permission and he had already communicated to the factory owner not to start operation. He also said that in recent no court order is been issued on this matter. However, villagers and activists are very much on gaurd because of the labourers presence within the industry compound. They fear that slowely the owner will try to start production operations. Thanks, In Solidarity, Rifat
