JAL ADHIKAR YATRA, 10TH SEPT. TO 5TH OCT., VARANASI TO NEW DELHI PEPSI-COKE BHAGAO PANI BACHAO ABHIYAN

A vehicle yatra will be taken out from the Coca Cola plant in Mehdiganj, District Varanasi beginning on 10th September, 2006 and ending on 3th October, 2006 outside the national Coca Cola headquarters at Gurgaon. Coca Cola and Pepsico plants are guilty of exploiting groundwater to such a dangerous extent that they are causing water shortage. 90% wells and 43% handpumps in a radius of 3 km from the plant in Mehdiganj have been affected by the Coca Cola plant here.

In addition these plants by producing a sludge containing Cadmium, Chromium and Lead pose serious threat of contamination of the groundwater and to human health. Study by a scientist in Kerala shows that average weight of new born children in the vicinity of the Coca Cola plant has gone down by 200 gms.

These companies use unethical ways of doing business and are known to influence political parties, officials and the media so that no action is taken against them. They have encroached upon Gram Sabha lands, default on payment to the government to the extent of crores of Rupees, indulge in labour rights violations and discriminatory practices.

Because of the unhealthy nature of drinks and its unethical practices, schools and universities across states in India, U.S., England and Canada are placing a ban on sales of products of these companies.

The farmers of India and students on campuses in North America are against privatization of water and are determined to fight to put these companies out of business. The yatra from the Coca Cola plant in Mehdiganj, Varanasi to the national Coca Cola headquarters in Gurgaon is a campaign signaling the beginning of the end of Coca Cola and Pepsico in India. You are requested to join this campaign and boycott the products of these companies so that it becomes uneconomical for them to stay here.

The yatra is organized by Lok Samiti and National Alliance of People's Movements.

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