Palampur June 12
The Global Convention on Climate Security had a rough start today. A group of hardcore environmentalists managed to disrupt the launch of Global Human Chain, a programme planned by organisers at Palampur Agriculture University before the inauguration of the convention.

As soon as Chairman of the World Council for Corporate Governance and other foreign delegates reached the venue, about 10 to 15 protesters, including members of the Himalayan Niti Abhiyan, started raising slogans. The efforts of Madhav Mehra and others to control the situation failed. The protesters had their way as they addressed the school children who had come to participate ina human chain.

The core issue of protest was the Golden Peacock Award announced for Vedenta Alumina Refinery. The protesters alleged that the company had a bad track record on environment front. The Norway government had banned the company and the Orissa pollution control board had also indicted the company for violation of pollution control board norms. Still it was getting the award, they alleged.

Madhav Mehra announced there that the award was not being given to the Vedenta Company. However, this did not pacify the protesters, who left the venue only after they had themselves satisfied that their motive has been achieved. The school children and many VIP guests left the venue due to disruption caused by protesters.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal who was scheduled to inaugurate the convention also disassociated himself from the programme though he was present in Dharamsala, just 40 km from the venue of the convention. Madhav Mehra when contacted by The Tribune was fuming. He alleged that it was a conspiracy hatched by some residents of Palampur against him. They were trying to fleece money from me, he alleged.

When asked about the Golden Peacock Award given to Satyam Computers for corporate governance and controversial company Vedenta, he said he was in no way associated with the jury that decided the awards. He said after the controversy the award given to Satyam Computers was withdrawn. About the Vedenta company he said they had not yet decided to give awards to the company.

Peeved at non-participation of Dhumal, Madhav Mehra also alleged that it was his loss. ‘I am bringing people from across the world and giving business to Palampur hoteliers and it is unfortunate that Dhumal tried to disassociate himself from the programme at the last moment just at the instance of some negative people,’ he said.

The entire imbroglio delayed the inauguration to about 5 pm.

Golden Peacock Awards &  Dr Madhav Mehra have been slammed earlier too

madhav mehra faces protest

:

http://www.your-story.org/golden-peacock-awards-jury-under-the-scanner-most-members-not-active-8002/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2003/may/11/theobserver.observerbusiness2