In our efforts to save Sattal from development activities which will harm the area, this is where we stand currently.
Actions we have taken:
• Filed RTI’s to obtain information from the concerned departments regarding the planned activity.
• Started a petition to gather signatures to support our cause, we have collected over 36,000 signatures so far.
• Setup a website with the assistance of the team at There Is No Earth B for #savesattal, all information regarding the campaign will be updated here: savesattal.thereisnoearthb.com
• We have a signed appeal from over 500 locals, whose families would be affected by such development, asking for a special status for the Sattal forests.
• We have sent a Letter to the DFO (Divisional Forest Officer), requesting the status of a conservation reserve. You can find a PDF copy of the letter, with annex on Save Sattal. This document is a comprehensive document which includes letters of support from ecologists, information regarding the flora and fauna of Sattal, RTI’s sent so far and our appeal.
• The chief Judicial Magistrate (Nainital), visited Sattal on 07/07/2021 to enquire about the situation on the ground.
Congrats! All of us have managed to make it large enough an issue to gain the attention of the authorities
A letter has been submitted to the CJM (copy on website - savesattal.thereisnoearthb.com) as a follow up to the Letter to DFO, clarifying our position.
Things we are working on currently:
• We are working with the locals to assign a capping on the businesses around the lake, this will prevent the deterioration of the area.
• We intend on asking the Authorities to give licences to the current business owners to operate their businesses legitimately.
• No further development to take place around the Sattal lake and forests (Private or Public)
• Work with the Forest Department towards assigning a special status to the Sattal area and forests.
We are ever so grateful for the support that has been received from innumerable quarters and deeply humbled by the concern shown by so many well-wishers and supporters of Sattal.
We intend to work with the government authorities to take this forward to its correct conclusion, a conclusion where the forests and visitors/ residents of Sattal area can coexist in harmony.