:: Delhi Greens ::

The YP Foundation (established as The Youth Parliament in 2002 with support from the India Habitat Centre and registered as The YP Foundation in 2007) is a volunteer based non-profit organization that is committed to developing the uninhibited expression of young people. 

The primary objective is to support innovative ventures by young people by developing their skills and ideas to create projects and programmes that create social impact. The YP Foundation works with the age group of 16 to 28, empowering volunteers to open up their potential to reach others.

This year, The YP Foundation has decided to open staff positions for application. We are currently looking for applicants to fill the posts in our Senior Management, Management and Programme Divisions teams.
 
Requirements for all applicants:

1. Applicants must be over 17 years of age.
2. Applicants should preferably be Delhi-based or else be available to work in Delhi throughout the year.
3. Applicants must have a reasonable command over Hindi and English.
4. Applicants must have an inclination towards working with social issues for young people.
5. The term of each post is for 1.5 – 2 years. (Negotiable)
6. Applicants who meet the above requirements need to fill out an application form, post that all applicants will be called in for an interview.
7. Interview dates are 4,5,6th of June 2009.  

Please send in your applications by June 1st 2009.

For further information, please contact

The YP Foundation,
D 344, Defence Colony,
New Delhi
E. theypfoundation@gmail.com
M. +91 9810283653.

or refer to these documents.

• Call for Applications
• Staff Positions-2009
• TYPF Staff Application Form

If you’re passionate, creative, hard working, have the time and have always wanted a chance to run your own initiate, team or project – apply!

Some of most of the majestic trees in Delhi are all 70-80 (maybe more) years old and form a part of the natural heritage of the city. Each time there is a thunderstorm that brings with it strong winds (of which there have been plenty lately), some of these trees get damaged and even uprooted. It seems (and so would ’some’ tell us) that it was age that got these trees down. But closer observation reveals a story much more depressing than that.

As Delhi develops into the world class city that ‘many’ are working hard to make it, concretization is the key word. And the concerete does not seem to be seeing an electric pole apart from a tree. And even as much is being said to protect and increase the green cover in the city, the existing greens seem to be choking to death. Most trees are being surrounded by concrete to such an extent that it leaves no breathing space for the tree thus reducing their capacity to keep themself upright.

And all this, even when there exist guidelines from the Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation dated July 21, 2000, which specify that an area of six foot by six foot should be left “uncemented” around each tree to ensure that it gets enough breathing space. Add to that, is  a court order that came out on December 19, 2007  after a petition was made to the High Court and taken up by Advocate Ritwick Dutta and Rahul Choudhary as an attempt to reinforce this guideline.

Click here to Download the Honorable High Court’s Order Against Concretisation and Choking of Trees

The above was enough for Padmavati Dwivedi and her friends in her GK-I colony to persuade the Government, MCD and related authorities to follow the rules, uphold the law and remove the concrete cement from around all trees in their part of the colony.

The shocking condition of the trees in the GK-I colony had been moving and painful for several of GK-I residents including Padmavati. The latter decided to do something about it and began her phone/fax camapaign by writing to the Chief Minister, and related officers. Before long, she heard from the CM’s office and on 29th April 2009 , workers from the MCD began their work to free the trees in GK-I.

The de-concretization did see some opposition from some residents, especially those who had gotten it done themselves, but the enthusiasm for conserving nature and perserving natural heritage and the court order ensured that the work has been continuing and over 60 trees have been freed till date. What is now needed is a citywide initiative to take this campaign to every colony and complex in Delhi.

Also Read:

• In GK-I, trees just got back their right to breathe
  By Neha Sinha | May 18, 2009 | Indian Express

Your responses are what keeps this blog going, thank you for sharing. Continuing on the governance issues for urban slums in Delhi on how to justify providing water sanitation etc to the existing Jhuggi Jhompdi (JJ) slums?

As you all have rightly pointed out the quality of life for a middle class in the city like Delhi is subsidized by people living in slums. They are ready to accept an inferior quality of life so that the middle class could have their service providing community, at a subsidized price.

Another argument is that JJ slum dwellers are not ‘paying’ any property tax or other municipal taxes. Let us look at this argument. Yes, but they are consumers and as such pay excise duty and sales tax on all the items they purchase and hence contribute to the economy directly.

The third argument is they are not ‘legitimate dwellers’ at the place of residence. They have no formal title and hence no legal rights to the lands they occupy or the houses they live in. The dwelling units they live in do not conform to any standards, and even the people who live here change constantly over time. What does the word ‘legitimate’ mean? The Oxford dictionary defines it as: reasonable or acceptable. So a legitimate dweller is someone who is reasonable or acceptable. This we will agree. They are reasonable about their quality of life and accepting or putting up with it. Another meaning is allowed by law. So who is the law the Judiciary accepts their claim to quality of life. It has passed judgments from time to time supporting them and their right to clean environment. But the police or the municipal officials are not always reasonable or accepting.  

Finally and most importantly, for our political system grants them legitimacy. These are legitimate citizens of the country with voting rights–voter ID cards whenever it is a recognized slum. It is the elected members to local municipal councils that put pressure to improve quality of life for the JJ slum residents through their own funds and pressure.  

This view to look at JJ slum dwellers as illegal, illegitimate, encroacher on public open lands within city limits, is only one possible view about urban migrants. It stems from post- colonial policies that created borders, which often greatly interfered with the livelihood strategies of groups straddling different zones.

Another way to look at rural urban migrations that routinely cause slums or squatter settlements is to interpret it as a conscious decision by the migrant, as part of a livelihood strategy. This decision to relocate is one, among a portfolio of decisions for livelihood and survival by the migrant, whereby they retain their contact with the villages they come from, and strategically relocate to urban areas for a few decades, in order to improve their livelihood opportunities. This is a choice they make, and we can choose to respect it or not.

Also Read:

• Sugar for Ants

The Yamuna Biodiversity Park (a joint venture between the University of Delhi and the Delhi Development Authority) invites all to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Jharoda Majra (Near Wazirabad Village), 5 Km up-North of Delhi University (North Campus)

Date: 22nd May, 2009
Time: 0930 am
Venue: Yamuna Biodiversity Park
(Click to find clickable road map)

Dr. S. Natesh from the Department of Bio-Technology, Govt. of India is the guest speaker for the day. The theme for the International Day on Biological Diversity (IDB) this year is invasive alien species (IAS) - one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, and to the ecological and economic well-being of society and the planet.

For more information, and to confirm your participation, please contact (Faiyaz): 9810511552

The urban governance projects initiated in the infrastructure sectors in Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, over the past ten years are all based on the assumption that slum dwellers have basic unalienable human rights to clean drinking water, sanitation and environmental hygiene, especially in the slum community of the city. These rights are so basic and fundamental that, the elected representative and the government as right protector, is obligated to provide them.

While the investment for capital assets like toilet blocks or stand posts and drainage lines are paid for by donor funding in Delhi NCR region over the decade. There is pressure on the city governments to meet the Operation and Maintenance (O and M) costs, of electricity used for pumping if any and minor repairs of taps and drains, through their own revenues. Alternately, another model proposed for O and M coverage, is through user charges, paid by the slum community that is serviced, over the life of the asset.

One way to over come the resistance by the slum community to paying daily or monthly user charges is develop a sense of ownership by involving them right from the planning stage, though the construction to final usage and making all transactions including the financial ones open and transparent to the community through a participatory demand driven approach, by implementing bodies in this case the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) or relevant Urban Local Bodies (ULB).

This situation reminds me of an old Om Puri’s movie in which Read the rest of this entry »

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Inviting All to Come Under the “Green Umbrella”

Nature Foundation (India) is a Non Governmental Organization in tune with nature and dedicated towards nature conservation. The foundation recently invited the eminent Dr. M. S. Swaminathan among others, to launch a Green Umbrella project at the Russian Cultural Center in Delhi. With “Green” standing for clean and green environment and “Umbrella” symbolizing protection, conservation and coming together of like minded individuals, the programme will be executed with the co-operation and blessings of Sh. M.L. Dewan and the Global Warming Reduction Centre.

The mindless exploitation of nature and natural resources has put the present and the future generations at considerable ecological disadvantage, risk and shock. The future generation is the MAJOR STAKEHOLDER of the environmental sweepstakes. thus, the aim of this all encompassing project is to catch them young. As part of the project, Nature Foundation (India) will be holding a series of workshops in various schools. These will be followed by poster making and slogan writing contests and an increases thinking and action on water conservation.

Green Umbrella Autographed by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and Prof. M.L. Dewan of the GWRC

The project will work simultaneously at three levels. The first: informing, equipping children with the knowledge of the planet, the ecosystem and the environment and also the need to conserve it. The second: getting them to take action and inspire, pursue conservation activities around them. And the third to enhance creative expression and involve them in becoming a part of the movement for a change. The target, by the end of first year, is to baptize the young generation in becoming agents of environment conservation.

It is hoped that the army of “Green-Literates”, thus created would be able to face the challenges of climate change in an able manner because, FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED. The “Green Umbrella” will be given to all participating schools symbolizing that the students of this school are better equipped to face the challenges of climate change etc.

Tucked away in the Northern part of Delhi is a colony that attracts a determined set of youth from across India. The aim is to study and prepare, the target: to crack the prestigious Civil Services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in the middle of May each year. This very resourceful Dr. Mukherjee Nagar colony has it all for that–rooms and hostels to stay, well over 300 IAS coaching centers, food courts of all kinds, book stores and what not.

The proximity of the University of Delhi has only helped in turning this place into a student hub and perhaps the reason why this locality got chosen to be the one point stop for civil services preparation. Such is the situation today that the economy of this colony would perhaps collapse if all the students are removed in one go.

Yesterday, was the big day here! Yesterday was when the civil services preliminary test was conducted in centers across Delhi (and India). And yesterday was when–in the morning hours–one could see a majority of the youth here on the street, walking to the nearest bus stand or the Metro station. This has become an annual affair and more and more candidates have been applying each year.

For the struggle to make it to the corridors of power attracts so many, it only adds to the already existing community! But fewer make it through the entrance and even fewer clear the interview to be able to join any of the IAS or the allied service academies. And amidst all that, Mukherjee Nagar only gains more popularity and an increasing number of student influx.

Image Courtesy Aastha Kukreti

We are now nearing the close of elections. With every passing day the new government will be getting formed. Parties will negotiate with each other to form the ruling coalition, as most likely there would be no clear majority.

Let us be honest about who we are going to elect and take full responsibility for our choice. Our elected representatives seem to be a particular set of people. Either they are sons of past but successful politicians or they have a criminal background. For us democracy is a political system we have adopted since we became a nation state. This political system is only a subsystem, of the larger system and is relatively new. It is only 50 years old, for the whole that we call India. This democracy is a subsystem we consider to be working successfully especially when we compare our selves with our South Asian neighbours.

But consider the negative ecological consequence that we have maintained a discreet silence about when talking of this success namely, Ecological consequences of the elections that are held practically every few years in various forms loksabaha, vidhansabha, panchayat, municipal council, you name it. The posters, banners, public rallies, media coverage, all have a cost that can be counted in energy and environmental terms.

On the other hand, over the last few months due to elections the government functioning has come to a halt. It is only a care taker government. No major decisions that are at policy level can take place. The positive part was other systems could function uninterrupted. Take Judiciary for example. As published on 10^th May 09 in print media, Supreme Court ruled on banning of the mining in Aravalli Mountains till further notice. Mining companies were held responsible for their failure to restore the physical environment after the mining. These Aravalli Mountains are popularly called the Ridge in Delhi, and has a bio diversity park near Vasant Vihar.

Why is this park restoration important? Once we are able to go beyond the slums that dot this park and actually visit the Park we can appreciate the efforts put in for creating the nursery, with a promise to restoring the ecology of the park, including the trees and grasses that have been planted, the birds that now come and visit. We cannot but appreciate the efforts of Delhiites who have succeeded in keeping this ecosystem alive and real. We can see, touch, feel, smell, and hear, nature: right here right now, instead of our TV screens. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but and thanks to the Supreme Court it will continue to be alive and real for us, as it is slowly restored.

Development Alternatives, a non-profit organisation established in 1983 creating large scale sustainable livelihoods is organising a Capacity Building Series (2008- 09) for Experiential field based training on Renewable Energy Sources as Business Opportunities

OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

Three days training program would help the participants to acquire knowledge about various alternative sources of energy in regards to the energy generation and its application for different purposes. Following areas would be covered in detail:–

• Solar Air Heating Systems and their applications for drying of Agricultural crops, vegetables, fruits etc.
• Solar Air Heating Systems and their applications for heating of buildings.
• Solar Water Heating systems and their applications in various Industries, like textiles, paper, distillery, pharmaceutical etc.
• Solar cooking
• Solar Furnace
• Solar Thermal Power generation
• Solar Photovoltaic Applications
• Biomass briquetting , gasification and biogas
• Waste utilization
• Wind energy, microhydel and other sources of energy generation.
• Current trends of business and role of energy
• Marketing and sales
• After sales service
• Operation and maintenance
• Renovation and modernization
• Managerial expertise

Dates:  28-30 May’09
Venue: TARAgram, Appropriate Technology Centre, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

RESOURCE PERSON

Dr. JANARDAN PRASAD KESARI: Dr. Kesari has done his B.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering from I.I.T. Kharagpur in 1977 followed by Master of Engineering in Energy systems from Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok in 1979.. He obtained his PhD in 1983 in solar energy from Toulouse, France and also got his Post doctorate in renewable energy from the Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique, (CNRS), Paris, France in 1985.He has over 30 years of experience in various capacity as a Teacher, trainer, Researcher and Consultant.

He has worked with several institutes including The Energy & Resource Institute (TERI), Rajendra Agricultural University Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Combating Climate Change, Delhi, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India. He has also worked as a fellow with several international institutes including Department of International Relations, CNRS, Paris, France & Solar Biotechnology Laboratory, Toulouse, France during his Post doctoral & doctoral Research work.

He has been trained and provides training in Solar Energy, Renewable Energy Sources, Renewable Energy Applications etc. He has presented many papers in various workshops/conferences on Solar Energy, Renewable Energy and other energy related topics/issues.

COURSE ELIGIBILITY

This programme is designed for Officers from Central & State governments, National/International Development Organizations, Corporate as well as CSR Professionals, Academic institutions, Business owners/entrepreneur and individuals who possess an interest in Renewable Energy Sources.

Fee: INR 9,500/- per participant for Indian Participants, INR 12,000/- (240 USD) for Overseas Participants. The Training fee covers accommodation, food, course material and leisure trip to the famous Orchha Temples and Fort

YOUR TAKEAWAYS

• Knowledge and experience from the training
• Field Exposure and further learning
• Manuals and training material
• Networking opportunity for you
• And a visit to Orchha Temples and fort - a glimpse

Last Date for applying: May 25th, 2009

For more information and to register, contact:

Bhavana Gadre
Telephone: 011-26132718
tla@devalt.org  

Manager-Training
TARA Livelihood Academy
Development Alternatives,
111/9-Z, Kishangarh, Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi-110070

Toxics Link’s Environment & Health Public Lecture Series

‘Disposable’ is an attempt to identify and acknowledge the journey waste and the people who spend their lives in our waste. Disposable traces the many ways in which our madness of consumption and disposal has added to piles of trash in overflowing Landfills, and the unsung heroes who process our waste and recycle it relentlessly, everyday. The Film is an attempt to put a name, a face and an identity to thousands of people who are the true Eco- Warriors whilst the rest of us only Research and Learn.

Disposable is the story of our Lifestyles and Goods that are inevitably disposable, and the disposable people who are indeed inseparable and indispensable to our Waste Management Systems. The Film raises pertinent questions of the denial of Right to Survival and denial of Dignity that thousands of Rag pickers are subjected to-the denial of and in access to means of Education, Health and Welfare that is now deep-seated to rag picking communities.

Disposable is our quest to Learn where our Consumption Mania leads, what becomes of things we throw away and the men, women and children whose lives are spent amidst this waste.

Toxics Link invites you for a screening of the film on 11th May 2009 at India International Centre.

Screening: Disposable; Duration - 26 minutes, Directed by Vimlendu Jha; Year: 2008

Screening followed by a experience sharing session with the director of the film and friends from Swechha.

Panelist:  Dr. Savyasaachi, Jamia Millia University, Malgorzata Skiba, Sudhamahi Regunathan, ex - Vice-Chancellor of Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, Rajasthan

Date : 11th May 2009, Monday
Time : 6:30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 1, India International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi (In collaboration with India International Centre)

For further information, please contact:
Pragya Majumder - pragya@toxicslink.org
Bindu Milton - bindu@toxicslink.org
T: 24320711, 24328006
E: info@toxicslink.org