<p>Hi ,<br /><br />I have just shown my support for India's forests. Please see the mail below and support our forests at <a href='http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/support-the-forests/?tyf=2'>http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/support-the-forests/</a><br /><br />
Regards,<br />
<br /><hr /><br />
Dear ,<br />
<br />
The dangerous forest versus coal tussle has claimed its first victim â the endangered Indian elephant. The Chhattisgarh government has scrapped plans for an <strong>elephant reserve</strong> in order to allow the same forests to be mined for coal. <sup>[1]</sup> <br />
<br />
Last year the environment and forest ministry defined regions rich in forest cover and biodiversity as <strong>No-Go</strong> areas for mining. <sup>[2]</sup> The coal ministry wants the government to scrap this classification. <sup>[3]</sup> A Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted to resolve this will take a decision later in the year. <sup>[4]</sup><br />
<br />
These No-Go areas are among the last remaining <strong>forests</strong> in our country. They are home to <strong>wildlife</strong> such as tigers, leopards and elephants, and crucial to the <strong>livelihoods of millions</strong>. <sup>[5]</sup> If mining is allowed here, we can bid good bye to all of these. We need to pick our sides for this epic match. Big ministries backed by private lobbies are siding with coal â and against the forests.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can you show your support for the elephants and our forests?</strong><br />
<br />
<a name='link1' xt='SPCLICK' href='http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/support-the-forests/?tyf=2' target='_blank'>http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/support-the-forests/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
This is the first preparatory step for our massive fight to save our forests and the communities who depend on them. The government needs to know that millions of Indians want their forests protected and declared No-Go for mining.<br />
<br />
Instead of increasing its dependence on coal the government needs to invest in exploring <strong>renewable energy options</strong>. <sup>[6]</sup> Once destroyed, these forests will never get resurrected even with the best reforestation efforts. <br />
<br />
Clearing forests will only hasten climate change. Coal mining not only destroys forests and displaces communities but also contaminates nearby rivers and water sources.<sup>[7]</sup> India's remaining forests and wildlife and communities must be protected from mining.<br />
<br />
<strong>Show your support for the elephants and their forests now.</strong> <br />
<br />
<a target=_blank href=http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/support-the-forests/tyf=2 xt='SPCLICK' name='link2'>http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/support-the-forests/</a><br />
<br />
Thanks a billion!<br />
<br />
<img name='Cont_0 src=http://www.greenpeace.org/india/Global/india/image/forMailers/preethi-herman.jpg' /><br />
Preethi Herman<br />
Climate Campaigner<br />
Greenpeace India <br />
<br />
<hr />
<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
<br />
1. Chhattisgarh govt scraps elephant reserve plan for coal mining, <em>The Times of India</em>, January 16, 2011<br />
<a href='http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Chhattisgarh-govt-scraps-tusker-reserve-plan-to-please-miners/articleshow/7294639.cms' name='src1' xt='SPCLICK'>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Chhattisgarh-govt-scraps-tusker-reserve-plan-to-please-miners/articleshow/7294639.cms</a><br />
<br />
2. 35% of India's coal mining areas are in 'no go' zones, <em>DNA</em>, March 27, 2010<br />
<a href='http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_35pct-of-india-s-coal-mining-areas-are-in-no-go-zones_1363884' name='src2' xt='SPCLICK'>http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_35pct-of-india-s-coal-mining-areas-are-in-no-go-zones_1363884</a><br />
<br />
3. Allow mining in 90% no-go zones, <em>Hindusthan Times</em>, October 29 2010<br />
<a xt='SPCLICK' name='src3' href='http://www.hindustantimes.com/Allow-mining-in-90-no-go-zones/Article1-619206.aspx'>http://www.hindustantimes.com/Allow-mining-in-90-no-go-zones/Article1-619206.aspx</a> <br />
<br />
4. GoM will look into sensitive 'no-go' mining areas, <em>Deccan Herald</em>, January 13, 2011<br />
<a name=src4' href='http://www.deccanherald.com/content/128848/cabinet-decides-set-up-gom.html'>http://www.deccanherald.com/content/128848/cabinet-decides-set-up-gom.html</a>
<br /><br />
5. Forests will rescue India, says Jairam Ramesh, <em>new.rediff.com</em>, August 11, 200 <br />
<a name='src5' href='http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/aug/11/slide-show-1-forests-are-indias-rescuer-says-jairam-ramesh.htm'>http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/aug/11/slide-show-1-forests-are-indias-rescuer-says-jairam-ramesh.htm</a>
<br /><br />
6. Energy Revolution, <em>Greenpeace</em>, March 23, 2009 <br />
<a name='src6' href='http://www.greenpeace.org/india/Global/india/report/2009/3/energy-revolution.pdf'>http://www.greenpeace.org/india/Global/india/report/2009/3/energy-revolution.pdf</a>
<br /><br />
Greenpeace provides an alternate energy vision for India, <em>Greenpeace</em>, March 24, 2009<br />
<a name='src7' href='http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/news/greenpeace-provides-an-alterna/'>http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/news/greenpeace-provides-an-alterna/</a><br /><br />
7. Case study of Damodar river, <em>rainwaterharvesting.com</em><br />
<a name='src8' href='http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/crisis/River-Damodar10.htm'>
http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/crisis/River-Damodar10.htm</a>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<strong>P.S. Want to support our campaigns? We don't take money from any corporation, government or political party! We never have, and we never will. Do help Greenpeace remain fiercely and proudly independent. <a xt='SPCLICK' name='greenpeace_in_donate_to_greenp' href='http://greenpeace.in/donate-to-greenpeace-india.php'>Click here to chip in</a>.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign='top' colspan='2' style='border-top: 10px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204);'><span style='font-size: 10px; color: rgb(153, 102, 0); line-height: 100%; font-family: Arial;'> <b>Greenpeace on the web</b> <br />
We're also on <a xt='SPCLICK' name='www_facebook_com_greenpeaceind' href='http://www.facebook.com/greenpeaceindia'>Facebook</a>, <a xt='SPCLICK' name='twitter_com_greenpeaceindia' href='http://twitter.com/greenpeaceindia'>Twitter</a> and <a xt='SPCLICK' name='youtube_com_greenpeaceindia' href='http://youtube.com/greenpeaceindia'>Youtube</a> - join our friends list. <br />
<br />
<b>Why have I received this mail?</b> <br />
Either because you signed up as a Greenpeace India cyber-activist or a friend forwarded this mail to you.<br />
<br />
<b>How do I subscribe?</b><br />
To receive regular updates from Greenpeace India, <a xt='SPCLICK' name='www_greenpeace_org_india_getin' href='http://www.greenpeace.org/india/getinvolved'>sign up here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>How do I unsubscribe?</b> <br />
To stop receiving messages on how you can help the planet <a name='optoout' xt='SPOPTOUT' href='#SPOPTOUT' target='_blank'>click here</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>How can I help more?</b> <br />
You can help by forwarding this message to everyone on your email list. You can also <a xt='SPCLICK' name='www_greenpeace_org_india_suppo' href='http://www.greenpeace.org/india/supportus/donate-stop-genetic-contamination'>donate to keep us going strong</a>!<br />
<br />
<b>Where do I send feedback? </b><br />
Please send all feedback to ocampaig(at)greenpeace(dot)org Greenpeace India, #60 Wellington Street, Richmond Town, Bangalore 560025</span>vaibhavkaushal123(at)gmail(dot)com</p>
<p style='font-size:9px'>You are receiving this email because someone you know sent it to you from the Greenpeace site. Greenpeace retains no information about individuals contacted through its site, and will not send you further messages without your consent -- although your friends could, of course, send you another message.</p>
