The Vivekananda college in Chembur, Mumbai has implemented a zero-waste policy on campus by segregating and processing all waste generated. Wet food waste is composted in pits to produce rich manure for campus plants. Plastic, glass, and e-waste are separately collected and recycled or reused. The project has significantly reduced waste and increased environmental awareness among students. The college aims to expand the initiative to nearby vegetable markets to process their large amounts of wet waste.

1. E-Newsletter-6/30
Green Earth Movement
An E-Newsletter for the cause of Environment, Peace, Harmony and Justice
Remember - “you and I can decide the future”
A college has a solution for the Deonar mess: Zero
waste
Ankita Bhatkande, Mumbai Mirror
The Vivekananda college in Chembur has entirely erased its garbage
footprint
Most mornings of this year, students at Vivekananda Education Society (VES) in Chembur have
had to choke through the acrid smoke that settled across their campus, blowing from the nearby
Deonar dump. But they took solace that they were not a part of the problem, and in fact had a
solution. Earlier this year, the BMC declared the two 4-acre VES campuses zero-waste facilities.
What does this mean? Essentially, that the progressive institute has implemented policies to
process all of the garbage generated on campus, for reuse and recycling. The efforts centre on
the segregation of waste, and creating fertiliser from compost. But there are also collection
procedures in place to deal with the nonbiodegradable substances such as plastic, and
electronic waste (e-waste).
IT'S SIMPLY SCIENCE
The department of microbiology at VES, in association with the NGO Stree Mukti Sanghatana
(SMS) conceptualised and spearheaded the program. “Every day the tonnes of garbage
dumped in the Deonar is a mixture of plastic, electronics, vegetable waste, paper and so on.
Each has to be treated separately. In the absence of any such segregation mechanism by the
corporation, we decided to do our bit to save the environment,“ said Dr Jayashree Phadnis,
Principal of the college.
It began by establishing two composting pits in each of the campuses, 6 feet wide, 4 feet long
and 2 feet deep. The wet waste from the canteen and the hostel is taken to the pit in two shifts
afternoon and late evening. As the waste is deposited to the pits, a team of five people take
turns to churn it. Twice a day, a liquid solution made from fermented fruits is added along with

2. some water to speed up the degradation process.“Once in a couple of weeks, magic powder,
which is a compound of limestone and rock is sprinkled on the garbage to get rid of the foul
smell. This way, we look at garbage in a productive way and not just as dirt which we need to
get rid of,“ said Rekha Bathija, the college accountant, who coordinates the work.
The total dry and wet waste generated in both the campuses is around 90 100 kg per day
approximately, of which 70 80 kg is biodegradable via the pits. “Every month around 70kg of
manure is created out of the waste without much effort, which is then used for the plants in our
own campus“ said Phadnis. “Using this manure not only saves the cost of buying it from outside
but also maximises the soil fertility“ said Rashmi Joshi, the coordinator at Stree Mukti
Sanghatana.
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
The use of plastic and glass products on campus has decreased significantly, students and
teachers say, attributable to the growing awareness brought about by the venture. The BMC's
M-West ward, as evidence of their support, send a separate vehicle to collect the dry waste from
the institute's premise. The e-waste is recycled in two ways Stree Mukti Sanghatana sends a
special vehicle as they run a program specifically for the reuse of e-waste. A portion of the e-
waste is also salvaged by the engineering students at VES who then use it for their own
projects.
SCALING THE TRASH HEAP
Richa Shah is a second year MSc -microbiology student, who has been working intensively on
the project that was piloted in 2014. It has truly been inspirational for her. “I realised that this
initiative when carried on a small scale basis in our own homes, can lead to some amazing
results and might end all of the city's garbage woes,“ said Richa. She has now focused her
future research on home composting. Students are actively involved in the popular endeavour.
“The project is very important for the students to know about the simple way of waste
segregation and management. As they closely work with the project, they contribute at each
stagefrom segregating waste to learning how to treat it with the simple method that we are using
in the campus,“ said Santhini Nair, associate professor at the institute. There are already plans
for expanding their scope of operation.
A FUTURE FOUNDATION
The college has targeted vegetable markets in the neighbourhood, which have a substantial
accumulation of compostable refuse. “Tonnes of wet waste is generated in the vegetable
markets in the city. We want to collect this waste and convert it into manure. However, we need
the support of the BMC in order to transport the waste from our ward's markets to the pits where
the waste can be degraded“ said Dr Jayashree Phadnis. The BMC has been laudatory, and very
supportive. AMC of M-West ward, Harshad Kale said that the corporation will soon launch such
a partnership. “We are happy with the excellent work that the institute is doing and would love to
take their help in waste management.“
Centre directs BMC to close down Deonar dump in 3
mths
Clara Lewis and Richa Pinto, TNN
Civic Body Faces Criminal Case For Untreated Waste

3. The Deonar dumping ground, the city's wasteland for nine decades but now a burning threat, is
about to be shut. The Centre on Wednesday , at a meeting of the Union environment minister
and a civic team led by BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta, directed the corporation to close the
dump in three months. At the same time, a two member probe panel set up by the ministry on
the Deonar issue has recommended that criminal charges be pressed against the BMC for not
treating garbage before dumping. In a tweet about the meeting, the minister, Prakash Javadekar,
wrote, “In wake of recent fires in #Deonar garbage dumping site, discussed short, medium &
long-mea sures for effective integrated waste management.“
Javadekar said he has told the BMC not to go for a piecemeal approach on waste disposal and
look at an integrat ed waste management solution. Besides Deonar, the city has two more
dumps, in Mulund and Kanjurmarg. The BMC plans to close the Deonar dumping ground on the
lines of the Gorai yard. The 19.8-hectare yard was scientifically closed in 2007 after channelling
methane gas into 40 wells, constructed for the purpose, and flaring it. A concrete wall was
constructed around it to prevent leachate from draining into the creek; a stormwater network
was made to drain the leachate into a processing tank. The garbage mounds were covered with
impermeable polyethylene sheets to prevent rainwater seepage.After decomposition, the residue
was removed. Today , Gorai is a green space. Experts say such an outcome is also possible for the
132-hectare Deonar dump.
The BMC also has the alternative to remove the Deonar garbage and either process it
scientifically at Airoli and Taloja in Navi Mumbai or incinerate it there. In January , the state
government handed over to the BMC land in Airoli and Taloja for new dumping sites, but both
have encroachments that the BMC is yet to remove. “The BMC will submit to me in 10 days a
midterm and longterm plan and we will review progress and implementation quarterly . Tata
Consultancy Services have been roped in to suggest an integrated waste management system for
the dump instead of taking up waste to energy , waste to compost projects on piecemeal basis.
They will submit their report in a month,“ said Union environment minister Parakash
Javadekaron Wednesday .
Speaking about the other dumping grounds, Javadekar said, “The Mulund site is also to be
closed. Tenders will be invited in 15 days.“
City's air improves
Mumbai's air quality index (AQI) recorded on Wednesday morning was 180 and evening 176 --in
the moderate category (101-200).In comparison, Delhi's figures were 180 and 183

4. India has thrown Swachh Bharat into the garbage bin
already
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/swachh-bharat-waste-management
In recent times, politicians from various parties have taken up broom and dustpan, and swept the country's
garbage-lined streets. But have you thought of what happens to the garbage they sweep up after the
cameras stop whirring and panning? It probably ends up in one of India's landfills, many of which are
overfull and unsanitary. Though the Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) issued rules - the
Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules (MSW Rules) - to deal with garbage, no state
or major city has bothered to comply with them. The rules expect residents to segregate garbage and cities
to arrange for its efficient collectionand treatment, either by composting or recycling. But data from the
Central government's pollution watchdog, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in its report
published in 2015, paints a different picture.
Damning evidence
Only some neighbourhoods in some cities in as few as 13 states segregate waste into organic, inorganic
and hazardous, according to the report. Though the MSW rules require that local governments treat and
recycle garbage, state-wise data from the CPCB reveal that most states fail to comply. For instance, of 34
states and Union territories, five don't treat or recycle any garbage, four treat or recycle less than five per
cent of what they collect, and 15 less than 15 per cent. All this adds up to sorry statistics: India treats only
23 per cent of the massive 1,44,165 tonnes of garbage it generates.
Moreover, local governments across the nation fail to collect a massive 28,400 tonnes of garbage
generated per day. This uncollected garbage most likely ends up polluting rivers and lakes, or clogging
drainage systems. What is collected, either ends up in landfills or is burnt, both hopelessly outdated waste
management strategies especially in the era of smart cities. Landfills are unsustainable as they pose risks
to health and the environment, and are land-intensive in a context where it is scarce. Despite this, 895 new
landfill sites have been identified, according to the CPCB report.
And the open burning of garbage, often done to create space for more garbage in landfills, emits several
tonnes of pollutants in the air. A Columbia University study on solid waste management in 2012 found
that open burning emitted 22,000 tonnes of pollutants in just one city, Mumbai, with devastating
consequences for health, as the city's residents must know from the recent fires at the Deonar landfill.
What is unfortunate is that 51 per cent of the garbage is organic and 31 per cent recyclable, and so we
don't have to be in the mess we are in, if the government implemented a proper waste management plan.
According to the Columbia University study, India could create several tonnes of fertilizer, secondary raw
materials, and barrels of energy from urban landfills alone in what could literally be a rags to riches story.
Explaining the violations

5. Why have states and cities been allowed to flout the MSW rules with such impunity? Researchers in the
waste sector cite lack of accountability and corruption as some of the reasons. "These rules are issued
under a Central act, the Environment ProtectionAct (1986), but they are about public health and
sanitation, which is a state subject. This creates confusion, as several government bodies at the Central,
state and local levels are in charge of implementation and enforcement, and many even have overlapping
functions. It is not clear whom is accountable to whom," says Ahmedabad-based lawyer Avni Rastogi,
who leads research on waste at a non-profit organisation.
Accountability is one problem and corruption is another. "Garbage disposal contracts are lucrative," says
Dharmesh Shah of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA). "Any deviation from the
business as usual is opposed by contractors. Moving to a system that is decentralised, involves door-to-
door collection, segregation, and recycling will threaten them. Neither politicians nor contractors will
support it," he says, suggesting that a corrupt nexus between contractors and decision-makers undermines
the implementation of the rules.
A clean break?
These rules have recently been redrafted and are likely to be notified by the MoEF in the coming months.
The new rules are an improvement on its previous versions. They list responsibilities of the various
Central and state ministries, district administrations, local governments and other agencies involved in
waste management, dispelling confusion about roles, responsibilities and jurisdictions.
They also acknowledge the contribution of the informal sector, the sprawling network of waste-pickers
and kabadiwalas who recycle garbage, thereby preventing it from reaching landfills. "When these rules
are notified, perhaps cities will chose to empower and formalise these existing waste management
systems, instead of employing large contractors," says Shah who was on the panel that framed the rules.
Shah and other researchers in the waste management sector are hopeful that these rules will be enforced.
So the next time you see politicians sweeping the streets, remember to not only to praise them on their
sweeping skills, but also ask them about their waste disposal plans. We can only sweep solid waste
management issues under the carpet for so long.
Green penalty may go up from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 crore
Vishwa Mohan | TNN | Mar 28, 2016
New Delhi: Seeking to impose a serious and effective deterrent to prevent violation of
environmental laws, the Centre plans to introduce an amendment bill proposing to scale up the
fine to a minimum of Rs 5 crore up from Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment up to seven years for
causing 'substantial' environmental damage. The bill will be introduced during the second half of
the budget session between April 25 and May 13.
The bill sets the the upper limit of fine as high as Rs 20 crore and imprisonment may be
extended to a life term. If the damage has been unabated over a period of time, violators may

6. have to pay additional Rs 1 crore a day. While the government has moved to ease what has
been described as "green tape" and make clearances faster and more transparent, it expects
industries to adhere to the law or face stiff penalties if caught violating regulations. "The law
ministry has already cleared the draft of the Environment Laws (Amendment) Bill - meant to
amend the existing Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010 - and sent it back to the environment ministry. It will now go to the Cabinet and will be
introduced in the Parliament after the recess", said an official.
The proposed amendment suggests that the penalty amount will be used for remediation and
reclamation of polluted sites and improvement of environment - measures that also seem
intended to counter criticism that the government has been keen to cater to big business. At
present, a violator has to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh and faces imprisonment up to five years (can
be extended to seven years in certain cases) on conviction. In case the violation continues, the
offender has to pay additional fine up to Rs 5,000 a day during which the contravention
continues. Officials argue the stiff fines will force polluting industries to take corrective measures
that they are willing to avoid. "At present, many violators find it easier to pay fine and carry on
with their activities," an official said.
Under the existing law, state pollution control boards act as appellate authorities for assessing
environmental damage and impose a fine. But the proposed amendment has separate
provisions of categorisation of violations into 'minor', 'non-substantial' and 'substantial' on extent
of damage. "It will minimise the discretion of the state boards. In absence of the process of
quantification or assessment and corresponding provision of penalty, some cases land up in a
long legal battle", said the official. There is also a proposal of setting up an adjudicating
authority, comprising of a district judge and two technicalenvironmental experts, that will assess
the damage on the basis of quantified parameters and impose fines accordingly.
Under the proposed amendment, the violator will be allowed to appeal before the National
Green Tribunal against the order of the adjudicating authority. But then, the violator will have to
deposit 75% of the amount of penalty imposed by the adjudicating authority.
Rich Manure from Waste
Moneylife Digital Team | 17/03/2016
Metros, like Mumbai, face a major issue of garbage disposal. Mumbai produces approximately
6,000 tonnes of garbage every day. Municipal bodies deal with this by transporting the garbage
collected everyday to long distances to designated dumping grounds. The massive fire at
Mumbai’s Deonar dumping ground, which resulted in toxic pollution of nearby localities, has
finally turned the spotlight on this serious issue.
Coupled with the prime minister’s call for Swachh Bharat, there is growing awareness among
people about the need to process the garbage they generate and reduce what goes to the
dumping grounds—after all, the space for land-fills is also depleting fast. There are several
aspects to this burgeoning problem of municipal waste disposal—segregation of garbage, its

7. treatment and reduction. But the first step is to segregate organic and inorganic waste and
process the former in-house, to reduce pressure on dumping grounds.
Prakash Dandekar has done just that, by pioneering, with Kalpataru a simple and easy to adopt
solution to the issue of organic waste. This includes kitchen waste, horticulture waste, paper
waste, etc, and inorganic waste including glass, metal scrap, thermocol, plastic waste, etc. The
latter is invariably produced in factories run by human beings, while the former belongs to nature
and can be returned to nature. How? “Vermi-compost is the process of using surface layer
(epigenic) earthworms and micro-organisms to convert organic food waste into dark, nutrient-
rich manure,” points out Mr Dandekar, who has come up with a solution to make this process
effortless.
For those interested in the science behind this process, Mr Dandekar explains that there are
some 3,000 species of earthworms. The main species useful for vermi-composting are Eisenia
Fetida and Eudrilus Euginie. They live close to the surface of the soil and are useful for
composting. They feed on decomposed organic material. Their life span is two years, on an
average. They grow and reproduce quickly.
Composting earthworms prefer decomposed food, points out Mr Dandekar, which has high
nutrients and relatively low carbon. Ideal food includes decomposed fruits, vegetables, kitchen
waste, some animal manure, garden waste, paper, corrugated boxes, etc. Worms do not prefer
materials with high content of ammonia, nitrogen, fats, oils, etc. These include onion, lemon,
garlic, etc. These earthworms eat only dead and decaying food. They cannot eat live plants or
any other live material.
“Composting earthworms eat food which is as much as their own body weight”, jokes Mr
Dandekar. Earthworms release micro-organisms from their body, such as bacteria, algae and
fungi. These micro-organisms facilitate decomposing of the organic waste. Within 90 days,
organic waste can be converted into compost (manure) with the help of earthworms. Vermi-
culture is composed of earthworms, cocoons and baby worms.
Mr Dandekar says, “Use any container with proper aeration of minimum 1CFT (cubic foot) in
volume. Put 2-3-inch layer of coconut flax or sugarcane bagasse or dry leaves at the bottom.
This material has good water-holding capacity. On top of this layer, put 2-3-inch layer of
decomposed cow dung. Next, put 2kg of vermi-culture containing around 50-70 earthworms.
Sprinkle water from the top so that all the layers are properly soaked. Daily, add wet garbage of
about 1kg. Sprinkle water every alternate day. Put a tray below the container, to collect the extra
drained water. Stir the added garbage twice a week. As the garbage decomposes, its volume
reduces and it settles down. About six months later, the container will be full. Stop adding wet
garbage and water for 2-3 days. Slowly, remove the top layer which is not yet decomposed.
Below that you will see the compost formed.”
The impact is magical. Call or write to Mr Dandekar to get his little magic box, shown in the
image and start composting your own waste, to take the pressure off the municipal dumping
grounds.
Kalpataru, Dandekar Niwas 588-89/5,
L J Cross Road No 1,
Mahim, Mumbai 400016
Mobile +91 9820784291
Email: dandekar.prakash@gmail.com
Web: https://getvermicompost.wordpress.com/

8. Cancelling Deonar rag pickers' registration a misfire, say
NGOs
Alka dhupkar, Mumbai Mirror
Protest BMC's decision to revoke licences after the latest blaze, but chief Ajoy Mehta is adamant,
will not let anyone in, cannot `afford another fire'
On Monday, civic officials decid ed to impose the most strin gent measures yet to curb the outbreak of
toxic fires at Deonar, by declaring it off-limits to everyone except BMC workers.Registered permissions
to work in the area was summarily cancelled and non-compliance is punishable with a sentence of up to a
year in prison. However, city NGOs say that this harsh measure punishes those who are least likely to be
responsible for the purported arson at the trash heap, the rag pickers who segregate the waste and eke out
a living from it. Three organisations Apanalay, Stree Sanghatana and FORCE have written a joint letter
to the municipal chief asking him to withdraw the decision, and allow the rag pickers to resume their
activities.
Jyoti Mhapsekar of Stree Mukti Sanghatana, who worke with about 150 rag pickers from Deonar said that
their identity cards were obtained after long, arduous negotiations and clearances from the BMC. “Their
livelihood is dependent on the dumping ground, how can they burn it? Goons indulging in illegal things
are certainly not getting entry through identity card.Unless illegal business inside dumping is regulated
properly, targeting poor rag pickers is misfired solution,“ said Mhapsekar.
She also cited the instance of small children seen roaming at Deonar, who certainly do not have the
necessary registration documents, to show the inefficacy of the measure. The larger complaint is that the
BMC hasn't tackled the biggest bugbear in their own backyard, the problem of segregating garbage at the
source. Prakash Sonavane, founder of FORCE, which works with approximately 500 rag pickers said,
“We have written letters to local police station, Municipal Commissioner, Additional Municipal
Commissioner. First BMC should ensure that all the solid waste is properly segregated--then there is no
need of rag pickers at Deonar. But randomly banning them? Does the BMc really want to solve this issue
or are these announcements made to show off?“ Sonavane also questioned the civic body's cross-speak--
while lip service has been paid to the preservation of the rag picker's livelihood, on the ground, security
guards have been issued oral instructions specifically denying them entry. “This should be clarified,“ said
Sonavane.
Commissioner Ajoy Mehta stands by the decision. “I can't afford another fire, as of today I will not let
anyone allowed as it is prohibited area.“ When asked about livelihood of rag pickers and segregation
issues he said, “ I want to evolve a foolproof system but till the inquiry completes and the new system
comes into action I will not change the restrictions I have announced. “ A rag picker Deonar who worked
to sift out dry waste from the solid waste that arrives on the dump trucks, says she has lost 8 days of her

9. gatherings, in the most recent fire. “Why would we destroy our livelihood? No one can imagine our pain
here, of sudden unemployment,“ she said, on the condition of anonymity.
SAVE THE MANGROVES -
Locals: Debris dumped on green cover near Taloja creek
BB Nayak, Mumbai Mirror
Navi Mumbai: The debris mafia is now targeting a 3-km mangrove stretch between Taloja Naka
and Navade Phata, adjoining the road connecting the Sion-Panvel Highway to the old Pune
Highway , and a spot outside the Navi Mumbai police headquarters, claim local residents.
However, authorities are clueless about the debris dumping at the two sites. Activists alleged
that miscreants dump debris and waste at night in the restricted CRZ area.
“The state agencies, including the forest department, municipality , Cidco and Konkan
Commissionerate, seem to be least bothered about saving the mangrove corridor in Navi
Mumbai. Several hectares of wetlands have been destroyed and grabbed by miscreants.
Despite the high court order on preserving mangroves, there has been no action,“ claimed
Sukumar Killedar, an enviromentalist.
Local residents claimed that debris is being dumped on the mangroves right under the nose of
the authorities since the last few days. “After the debris dumping affects the mangroves,
encroachers set up illegal shops there. How do the authorities not notice this? Illegal ghats have
been also been constructed along the stretch,“ alleged Rajesh Gurav, a resident. N Vasudevan,
who heads the state mangrove cell, said, “Every government agency has been entrusted the job
of preserving mangroves in their jurisdiction. Cidco has to exercise its power to stop such
activity since the area is under the purview of the city planner.“
Kiran Phanse, administrator of the Cidco Kamothe-Kalamboli node, said, “Our engineers were
sent to the site to take stock of the situation. Dumping has been done close to the green patch,
but there has been no damage to the mangroves. We will soon beef up the vigilance to prevent
such dumping.“
58 of 69 fish, crab species vanish from Thane Creek in 14
years
Freny Fernandes | TNN | Mar 29, 2016
THANE: The 26-km-long Thane Creek, which covers a ground area of 1,690 hectares, has
suffered an environmental catastrophe over the past 14 years as 58 of the 69 marine species in
its waters have become extinct during this period. Asian sea bass, hilsa (herring), black tiger
prawn, small crab and lobster are among the 11 surviving marine species in the brackish waters

10. of the Thane Creek. Even these could soon disappear soon as high levels of toxins are
contaminating the waters and starving aquatic life of oxygen here, revealed a research by the
Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON).
"In 2002, we had identified and located as many as 69 marine species in the Thane Creek. A
fresh survey carried out by our research team in 2016 has shockingly revealed that just 11 of the
species could be located in these waters. This means that the reproduction cycle of 58 fish and
crab species was damaged to such an extent that they have become extinct," said Goldin
Quadros, senior scientist in the wetlands ecology division at SACON. Quadros blamed the
colossal damage on high levels of arsenic in the waters due to dumping of untreated waste along
with industrial effluents and plastic, which reduce oxygen levels and raise the temperature, all of
which directly contribute to the elimination of fish species. Quadros further said that of the 11
species that have survived, only four are edible.
"We have been trying to generate awareness about the importance of conserving wetlands
through our clean creek movement since 11 years now. While studying the creek over the years,
we found that the clay soil bed that houses a variety of fish, plant and bird species is now
replaced by silt accumulated over the years from garbage dumping. This has destroyed the bio-
diversity here. Moreover, untreated waste water released into the creek over time has reduced
the oxygen level in the creek, which has hit the survival of marine life," said R P Athalye, vice-
principal of Bandodkar College and a member of the SACOM research team.
This crisis has hit the livelihood of the fishing community. "Nine years ago, we used to catch
around 10kg of fish, including Asian sea bass (jitada), small prawns (kardi), black prawns
(karpal), Hilsa herring (pala) and lobster (shewand). However, now, after hours in the water, we
barely find a kg of some of these. Karpal is no longer seen. Sometimes, we even find dead fish in
our nets. Pollution in the creek, right from Balkum to Kharegaon, has hit our business. I have
three fishing boats, two of which are gathering dust as the little we earn from the limited fish
stock is insufficient to pay labour cost," said Rajesh Kharker (47), a fisherman from the Vitawa
area.
Activists support developer’s proposal for Metro depot
HT correspondence, Mumbai
As the controversy over the plan to build Metro-3 depot at Aarey Colony rages on, environment
activists have now said the government should consider the proposal of a builder, who offered
part of his private land adjacent to the Aarey Colony, for the purpose. A few months ago, the
builder, Royal Palms (India) Pvt Ltd, had sent letters to the state and environmentalists, offering
a part of the Royal Palms township for Metro depot.

11. “We, Royal Palms (India) Pvt Ltd, are private land owners and our land is approximately 1-km
further from the proposed yard at Aarey Colony and we are in position to allot 30 to 60 acres of
land for Metro-3 yard,” reads the letter. D Stalin of Vanshakti has written to the state, asking it to
consider the proposal. “Last month, we received a letter from a private land owner near Aarey,
who has offered his land as an alternative to the site at Aarey. The land owner is not seeking
any monetary compensation and does not have any trees on it. As we are keen to protect Aarey
Colony, we are sending the letter to you for consideration, in tune with the law. If found suitable
and legal, the site may be considered as an added option suggested by us,” the letter reads.
Environmentalists had suggested eight options for depot relocation. “If relocation of depot to
Royal Palms doesn’t hurt bio-diversity, we don’t have a problem. The government should make
sure it is in compliance with the green rules,” Stalin said. Sources informed that the extension of
metro line to Royal Palms will also boost real estate prices in the area substantially.
Despite various attempts, none of the officials from the builder group could be reached for
comment. Senior MMRC officials refused to comment on the issue, calling it “sensitive”.
How One Woman Made 100 Villages in Rajasthan Fertile
Using Traditional Water Harvesting Methods
TBI Team, December 15, 2015
Changemakers, Rajasthan, Water
Amla Ruia has transformed the face of over 100 villages in Rajasthan by using traditional water
harvesting techniques and building check dams. This is the story of how she made it all possible by
engaging the local community and generating an income of Rs. 300 crores per annum for 2 lakh villagers.
It is not unusual to see dry and deserted farms in Rajasthan, a land known for its scorching summers,
parched soil and lack of sufficient water to sustain normal life. But there are some villages where water is
no longer a problem, farmers are growing not one but three crops a year, and households are even earning
additional income from animal husbandry!
In 1999/2000, when Rajasthan was going through a severe drought, Mumbai-based social activist Amla
read about the poor condition of the farmers there. The photographs in the newspapers and the images she
saw on television moved her. “I saw the government providing water tankers to meet the water needs of
the villagers. But I thought to myself that this was not a sustainable solution…there must be a more
permanent solution that could help the farmers in the long run,” she recalls. Amla founded Aakar
Charitable Trust to translate her thoughts into action and started researching the water troubles of
Rajasthan.

12. “Rajasthan farmers are among the poorest in the country. Using rain water harvesting technology to
alleviate the situation seemed like a good choice. It was important to involve the local community and
engage them to make our model more sustainable,” she says. Amla started her work by constructing check
dams near the villages. Check dams, also known as khadin, are structures that involve comparatively
small masonry constructions and extensive earthen bunds. They are most effective in hilly terrain where
the whole hill range can be used as catchment for the reservoir. They have all the advantages of the large
dams and none of the disadvantages, such as displacement and rehabilitation of people, huge underutilized
dead storage of water, water logging, risk of breach causing extensive damage to life and property, etc.
They are also cost effective. Her first project in Mandawar village showed great success and the farmers
managed to earn as much as Rs. 12 crore within a year with the help of two check dams constructedby
the Trust. After that, there was no looking back.
Today, Aakar Charitable Trust has constructed 200 check dams in 100 villages of Rajasthan, and
impacted over 2 lakh people who earn a combined income of Rs. 300 crore per year.
ACT works by getting the community on board for each and every project. Almost 40 percent of the cost
of construction is borne by the farmers. The construction of one check dam costs around Rs. 5 lakhs and
can increase depending upon the size of the dam. “We were sure that the projects would be successful
only if the farmers contributed. We involved the farmers at every step, from sharing the cost to
construction and even maintenance. This is how they get a sense of ownership,” she says.
The process of construction of a check dam starts with ACT’s field workers contacting the villagers and
spreading awareness about the benefits of water harvesting. Then, some time is spent on deciding on the
appropriate location for the dam after consulting with the locals and experts. The villagers then contribute
with money and effort. The construction of a check dam takes two to three months and it is usually ready
to be used by the next monsoon. The water from the dam is sufficient to irrigate crops for the entire year.
The farmers, who could barely grow one crop a year, are now able to grow even three crops in a year.
“For the first time, villagers managed to grow rabi. They also manage to grow vegetables now,” she adds.
As the income has increased due to better harvests, farmers have started animal husbandry as well. Many
households have 8 to 10 cattle head and income from milk, ghee and khoa. Increased income has often
provided 1 to 2 motorbikes per family and 4-5 tractors per village.
“There is less migration to the cities now. Earlier, no one was ready to get their daughters married to the
men living in these dry villages. That is not a problem anymore,” says Amla. It wasn’t easy to achieve
these results. Many villagers would often back out of their commitments in the middle of the construction
of check dams and ACT had to bear the majority of the costs. Many times, government intervention also
created hurdles in the operations. But the team kept going despite these challenges.
In the future, Amla and her team want to expand their efforts to other states as well. Much work has
already been accomplished in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The organisation is now working in the
backward Dantevada district of Chhattisgarh.
Meditation a catalyst for ecological conversion and
action
By Donna Mulhearn*
(The Good oil via CNUA) In light of the ecological crisis the world faces, meditation is
generally not rated high on the list of responses. But maybe it should be, writes Donna
Mulhearn.

13. I remember distinctly, and fondly, experiencing a kind of awakening in the first days into my
journey as a contemplative Christian. As a young backpacker, somehow, wonderfully, I ended up
living and working as a volunteer at a Benedictine convent in a small town in the south of
Ireland assisting eight elderly nuns. Needing help maintaining beautiful gardens on large
grounds, my job was to tend to the flowers, cut the lavender, water, pull weeds. Free from having
to achieve certain productivity levels, I took my time.
In silence I slowly handled each stalk of lavender, admired it, breathed its fragrance, felt the
softness of its body; basked in a sense of wonder of its beauty and of the other flowers – each
unique and exquisite. I did this for hours each day and, in the evening, sat on the balcony, took
in a view which overlooked the harbour, watched the sun set into the ocean, and wept. It wasn’t
just a sunset; somehow it was a message of love for me. I felt part of it. I also felt as though,
perhaps for the first time, I could see. As a busy Gen X-er I had finally slowed down enough to
notice things; to experience awe, to pay attention. Christian meditation is the work of paying
attention, of presence. Also known as contemplative prayer, it is the prayer of stillness and
silence; the prayer of the heart.
Benedictine monk Father John Main (1926-1982) recovered this ancient form of prayer from the
early Christian monks, the desert fathers and mothers, who in turn were inspired by Jesus’
teachings on prayer in the Gospels. It is now practised by people from all walks of life all over the
world, including young people and children in schools. Australia has a large and active Christian
meditation community. I, myself, and others who nourish a contemplative spirituality through a
daily practice of meditation, testify to a shift in consciousness over time. This new consciousness
includes a deeper awareness of who we really are and our connection to the whole earth
community.
From this can flow a greater sensitivity to the needs of the other-than-human community, a
desire to live in communion with nature, not dominate it, to lively more simply, more
sustainably and to take action against policies and practices that degrade the earth. Through this
sense of connection, and the work of paying attention, meditation can be the catalyst for
ecological conversion and provide energy for ongoing, sustainable action for the environment.
Pope Francis, writing in Laudato Si, repeatedly makes the link between a contemplative
consciousness and ecological conversion. “Inner peace is closely related to care for ecology and
for the common good because, lived out authentically, it is reflected in a balanced lifestyle
together with a capacity for wonder which takes us to a deeper understanding of life. Nature is
filled with words of love, but how can we listen to them amid constant noise, interminable and
nerve-wracking distractions, or the cult of appearances?” (Laudato Si, 225).
Pope Francis and others say the environmental crisis is part of a wider spiritual crisis marked by
over-consumption, waste, narcissism, disconnection from the natural world and each other and
that a contemplation spirituality would be a helpful antidote. More than 30 years ago, John

14. Main, who went on to found the World Community for Christian Meditation, observed much the
same: “I suppose none of us would meditate unless it had occurred to us that there was more to
life than just being producers and consumers. All of us know that we cannot find any ultimate or
enduring meaning in just producing and consuming. So we seek that ultimate meaning”.
A contemplative consciousness challenges the labels of ‘producer and consumer’ and leads to a
deeper awareness of our true identity and inter-connection with all things. I believe the practice
of silence, stillness and simplicity can transform the way we live as individuals and a whole
society to a way that is more attentive, loving and sustainable. It inspires my actions for the
environment: a concerted effort to live more simply and reduce consumption to the ‘hardly
anything new’ stage, investing in retro-fitting my house to ensure it’s more energy efficient,
completing permaculture training to repair degraded soil and grow food ‘working with nature,
not against it’.
Along with reducing my own footprint, I believe investing my time and energy in action and
advocacy with others to challenge the big polluters, governments and corporations, is essential.
I recently found myself at a protest camp on the outskirts of the Leard State forest in north-west
NSW. Ordinary people had travelled far and wide to try to stop Whitehaven Coal’s expansion
into precious forest. Up against bulldozers ready to clear, it might have felt futile, but somehow
it felt hopeful. Harnessing various non-violent strategies, people power all over the world has
halted or minimised destruction of the environment at the hands of industry and will continue to
do so.
I live as a contemplative activist in the Blue Mountains bush, and, just like admiring the
lavender at the convent in Ireland, slowing down to experience a sense of wonder at the beauty
here connects me, inspires me and sustains me to do more.
Donna Mulhearn is an activist, writer and speaker who was a human shield during the war
in Iraq. Inspired by the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi, she describes herself as a pilgrim and
storyteller. Donna is available for talks about peacemaking, social action and contemplation.
Her book, Ordinary Courage, a memoir about her experience as a human shield in Iraq, can be
purchased from her via donnamulhearn@yahoo.com.au
The Good Oil is the e-magazine of the Good Samaritan Sisters. Keeping you informed of the
life and mission of the Good Sams, it aims to stimulate your thinking and nourish your spirit. >
> > http://www.goodsams.org.au/good-oil/meditation-a-catalyst-for-ecological-conversion-
and-action/
Caritas to support govt to popularize solar energy
1.3 billion people across the developing world do not have access
to energy today.
Courtesy: ucannews - March 29, 2016
Kolkata: Complementing India’s promise to source 40% of its electricity from renewable by
2030, Caritas India has committed to support the government to promote solar energy
throughout the country. Caritas India and Seva Kendra in Kolkata hosted the National
Conference on Climate Change in Kolkata from March 14-15. The conference themed
“Strengthening climate action through alternate energy options” was attended by more than 100
participants from across the country.

15. International Solar Alliance pushed by Government of India during the 21st Conference of
Parties (COP 21) is seen as a key policy instrument to mitigate the effects of climate change while
maintaining the development growth. While Government of India is committed to implement
the National Action Plan on Climate Change, private and civil society organizations have worked
on identifying and promoting alternate energy options suitable for the region. This has large
potential to further the efforts of Government and cut down the emission, which could foster
development.
Caritas India and her partners expressed their commitment to take foreword the positive
initiative and partnership in the endeavor of the Government to improve production of clean
energy and promote energy efficiency. “We are considering it as an option for the poor in the
country to use these resources to develop,” said Fr. Frederick D Souza, Executive Director of
Caritas India in the objective sharing session of the conference in the very beginning. Caritas
India Chairman Bishop Lumen Monteiro said, “Coping with climate change is rapidly becoming
a major challenge for the world, particularly for developing countries like India. In most cases, it
is found that the adverse effects caused by climate change hit the poorest hard.
1.3 billion people across the developing world do not have access to energy today. Access to
energy is crucial to meet the development aspirations of these people who are also the most
vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Alternative energy options like solar, wind, hydro,
biomass and geothermal energy are essential for the developing countries to ensure that the
current pace of development is maintained while cutting down emissions.”
Manila's poor mark Holy Week with protest against coal
Happyland residents voice anger over harmful dust particles.
Courtesy: ucannews, March 22, 2016

16. Manila: Residents of Happyland, a poor hamlet in the village of Tondo in Manila, has marked Holy Week
with a protest march against the stockpiling of coal in the middle of their community. Carrying cardboard
crosses to symbolize their plight, residents marched through the streets of Manila on March 21 in what
they called the "Calvary of Citizens." "What is happening to us is like what happened to Jesus before he
was put to death on the cross," said Jennifer Merin, whose 8-month old asthmatic son has been rushed
several times to the hospital in the last few months.
"Just like how Jesus was lashed, we are struck again and again with illnesses," Merin told ucanews.com.
The coal stockpile facility run by the Rock Energy International Corp. has been located in Happyland for
the past two years. Authorities ordered its closure in February but residents claim the facility continues to
operate. "The protesting community cries to heaven for salvation from sinful structure and greed," said
Father Edwin Gariquez of the social action secretariat of the Catholic bishops conference. "This is a
challenge to our Christian conscience, for us to repent and do justice," the priest said.
Coal particles from the two-hectare stockpile envelop several neighboring communities around
Happyland. Residents said three children have already died of carbon poisoning due to prolonged
exposure to coal dust. Many people have respiratory and skin diseases. Residents are also worried about
possible fires, especially during the hot summer season. Most houses in the area are made of light
materials. Crisologo Calientes, who lives near the stockpile, said he usually sees smoke coming from the
facility.
Another resident, Elsa Katoday, complained that the walls of their makeshift houses have turned gray and
people have to wash three times a day to wash the dust off their skin. "It has already affected our health,
now its also destroying the environment," said Katoday. Now the coal dust has started to drift across
Manila Bay. The Rev. Erah Maga-Cabillas described the Happyland community's fight "morally right and
legal."
"If coal operations are halted and if our health improves, just like Christ, our community will be
resurrectedand we can live peacefully again," said Katoday.
Coal mining threatens villagers in Indonesian province
Greenpeace report says mine operations devastate the landscape and harms
water quality
Courtesy: ucannews
Coal-mining operations have damaged the environment and affected local populations in the Indonesian
province of East Kalimantan, said a report by Greenpeace Indonesia. Mining operations in the province
has brought about landscape destruction and created dozens of artificial lakes that have become a

17. unhealthy source of drinking water for nearby villages, the report said. This has been conducted with the
support of the local government, according to the report.
"The latest data suggests about 75 percent of East Kalimantan has been assigned for coal mining," said the
report which highlighted one of the largest operators as being the Thai giant Banpu. Farmer's irrigation
systems that feed their fields have also been affected by the mining, especially during the dry season.
During the wet season the man-made lakes overflow and flood villages near the mines. Many of the
villagers who once lived adjacent to the mines have sold their land and moved to cities. Some, such as I
Nyoman Derman from Kerta Buana village, stayed to protest against the mines.
"The mining operations changed the landscape. When it rains our rice fields are inundated with water and
it destroys our crops," Dermon told ucanews.com. The farmer has paid a price for his protests. "I was sent
to jail for three months in 2003 because I was regarded as a provocateur," Dermon said. "The challenge
now is that villagers have to deal with mining wastewater. How can we sell crops if we face difficulty in
harvesting crops? We even find it difficult to have daily meals," he said.
Divine Word Father Frans Sani Lake, coordinator of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in
Kalimantan, said it's difficult for local people to fight against mining activities. "In many cases, they have
to face mining companies which already work together with the local governments and hire security
personnel," Father Lake said.
"So local people can only surrender to the situation. In fact, however, the pollution is a real threat to their
lives," he said.
Is Our Survival More Important, Or Cattle's, Asks
Farmer About Beef Ban
All India | Agencies | Updated: March 29, 2016
A ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter in India's richest state is threatening to push millions of
farmers into penury, deepening distress in the countryside and fanning some resentment against
the policies of the ruling BJP. A ban on the slaughter of cows, considered sacred by Hindus, has
historically been banned in most states but was not vigorously imposed. Over the past year,
states governed by the BJP, such as Maharashtra, have broadened the ban to include other types
of cattle, like bulls and bullocks, and Hindu vigilantes have stepped up attacks on traders to
enforce the prohibition. India is the world's largest exporter of beef.
The impact of the beef ban has been significant. Prices of cattle have fallen across the country,
India's meat exports fell 13 percent in the April-December period and rival beef supplier Brazil is
gaining from India's loss. It has also left millions of farmers, already reeling from bad harvests
due to back-to-back droughts and unseasonal rains, struggling to sell animals they can no longer
feed or water. "I wonder what the government wants - our survival or the cattle's?" said farmer
Revaji Choudhary, standing next to a pair of bulls he has been trying to sell for weeks in a cattle

18. market in Maharashtra.
He paid Rs. 40,000 for his pair of bulls a year ago, and is willing to sell them for half that now.
He still cannot find a buyer. Traditionally, farmers have sold cattle in a drought year to butchers,
mostly Muslims, and bought new ones when their earnings rise after monsoon showers. That
cycle has been broken and could leave farmers with little money to buy seeds or fertiliser ahead
of the next sowing season, starting in June. Farmer suicides have nearly doubled in the drought-
hit Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Their predicament is causing concern within the BJP.
Rural distress is considered by some as a contributing factor to the party's loss in the Bihar
election last year.
In the annual budget last month, the government pledged nearly $13 billion on rural
development, aiming to double farmer's incomes by 2022. Maharashtra BJP legislator Bhimrao
Dhonde said the government's priority should be to support farmers, and they should be allowed
to sell their cattle to whomever they want. "It is time to withdraw the ban," Mr Dhonde told
reporters, according to news agency Reuters. Madhu Chavan, a spokesman for the BJP in
Maharashtra, said Mr Dhonde's view did not reflect that of the party.
"The party thinks the ban is necessary," he said, adding that more money would be made
available to alleviate the effects of drought if needed. Many farmers are simply abandoning their
cattle. The state has opened hundreds of temporary shelters to house around 250,000 heads of
cattle until their owners are ready to take them back, but experts say at least another 4 million
animals need to be looked after in Maharashtra. Hindu groups such as the Vishva Hindu
Parishad (VHP) that had promised to build shelters said they, too, were short on cash and the
government should do more.
Laxmi Narayan Chandak, head of the Maharashtra unit of VHP's cow protection committee, said
his organisation has been able to start only one facility that holds 150 cattle.
"Nearly 700,000 cows and bulls ... will starve to death or will be smuggled to slaughter houses.
We have to save them," said Mr Chandak.
World T20 winner West Indies donates to
Missionaries Of Charity in Kolkata, prove they are
champion beyond the field!
West Indies cricket team manager Rawl Lewis approached the Missionaries of
Charity on Monday, a day after his team secured the most coveted prize in
international T20 cricket.
By Mohammed Uzair Shaikh on April 4, 2016

19. Kolkata, April 4: Termed as the ‘rockstars’ of cricket world, the players of the West Indies have
proved that they are not money-thirsty maniacs who tour nation after nation to fill their bank
accounts, but have a heart as large as their strokes. During their stay in India, the Windies team
had firmly promised themselves that they would donate to Mother Teresa Missionaries of
Charity in India for the humanitarian efforts, the outfit undertakes in the Indian province of West
Bengal.
West Indies cricket team manager Rawl Lewis approached the Missionaries of Charity on
Monday, a day after his team secured the most coveted prize in international T20 cricket. Lewis
appreciated the efforts taken by the charitable organization towards the downtrodden people of
West Bengal. Missionaries of Charity is known for providing shelter to the homeless children of
the region. Not only did Lewis acknowledged the efforts of the nuns who are selflessly serving
the needy, he also donated a hefty amount for the humanitarian cause.
The donation made by the West Indies team comes at a time, when they are facing strained
financial relations with their own board. For past couple of years, the players have not been
awarded with appropriate salaries, which have often led to conflicts. After their historic win
against England, West Indies captain Darren Sammy almost broke down, recalling the financial
hardship the team went through before the tournament. “We didn’t even had jerseys before the
tournament. Our team manager Rawl Lewis got it printed from Kolkata, a couple of days before
the tournament began,” he had said.
The large-heartedness shown by West Indies team makes us truly perceive them as
‘champions’. They are not just the champions on the field, but in real-life too!
PARISH FUNDS DYSLEXIC GIRL’S FOOTBALL
DREAM
Jyoti Shelar, Mumbai Mirror
19-yr-old Christina needs Rs 60,000 to attend a tournament in
Scotland.
Colaba flock raises Rs 40,000 in 2 days and plans to give twice as much
In the two days after Robert Francis appealed to the Holy Name Cathedral in Colaba to help his
19-year-old dyslexic daughter real ise her dream of playing football in Glasgow, Scotland,
parishioners opened their hearts and their wallets, raising over two-thirds of the funds she
needs. Christina Francis, who lives with her family of six in the slums at Cuffe Parade, has been
shortlisted for the 16th Homeless World Cup, an event held annually to change the lives of

20. homeless people, through the beautiful game of football. While the organisers are sponsoring
Rs 1.2 lakh, there was a shortfall of Rs 60,000.
But Father Michael Goveas, the rector at Holy Name made an appeal at the Saturday evening
service, and has already gotten donations from 6 or 7 people, who chose to remain anonymous.
“She belongs to a poor family and any kind of encouragement for her is a good deed,“ said
Father Goveas.One man gave Rs 25,000, while other donations ranged from Rs 1,000 to Rs
5,000. Rs 40,000 has already been collected, and the parish hopes to exceed her need by
doubling that amount, so Christina can have cash for contingency expenses and some pocket
money, when she attends the tournament from Jul 10 16 this year.
For the family of a gardener, with four daughters, and a monthly income of Rs 10,000, this is an
unexpected but very welcome bounty. Christina had developed a passion for football four years
ago. “She could not study. The doctors told us that she has dyslexia and advised us that she
should concentrate on something that she is good at,“ said her father Robert.He was initially
opposed to Christina stepping out of the house. Often, her mother Lata would take her for
practice without his knowledge. “But her interest in the game overpowered everything,“ said
Robert, including his qualms. Christina has played on the Leher Foundation's team, an NGO
that encourages slum children to participate in sports. Leher Foundation collaborates with
another charitable organisation, Slum Soccer which selects the final players for the Homeless
World Cup. “Christina is the finest player and she has a great future if she continues to play the
game,“ said Gaurang Chauhan, founder of Leher.
Christina herself hopes that her passion will transform into a profession. “I don't want to quit
playing. It is what I know to do the best. But I want to study and get a government job so that I
can take care of my family,“ said the wiry but tenacious teenager who is currently in Nagpur for
the trial camp.
Her passport is already being processed and she is now palpably excited, but still can't quite
believe her good fortune. “I hope that I get to go,“ said the athlete who also plays rugby.
In the past four years, Christina has played for Soccer Fiesta 2014, ONGC NGO Football
Championship, Indira Gandhi Memorial Slum Soccer Women's Football etc. 64 teams,
representing 51 countries, will come together for the Homeless World Cup.
Assistant parish priest, Fr Nigel Barrett said that parishioners gave cash spontaneously, showed
keen interest after the appeal was made for the girl.“The amounts don't matter but the gesture is
very inspiring,“ he said.
WANTED HELPING HANDS- Courtesy: Daijiworld.com
For more appeals visit – www.daijiworld.com - charity
Thirtha Kumari(4 yrs), No. 115,2nd Cross,Coolie Block,Bhadravathi 577301
Monday, April 04, 2016

21. Thirtha Kumari(4 yrs),D/o Manjunatha, was diagnosed with tracheo-oesophageal fistula,subglottic stenoisis,
anorectal malformation with congenital heart disease.
Tracheo-oesophageal repair was done at Indira Gandhi Institute of child health and devise close of PDA done in
Sapthagiri Superspeciality Hospital, Bangalore. The patient underwent Anterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty in
Government Wenlock Hospital and Laryngotracheoplasty for subglottic stenosis in KMC Hospital, Attavar.
The patient had multiple procedures in different hospitals since birth incurring huge expenses for hospitalization
and treatment. The parents have spent around Rs seven lacs for treatment so far.As the parents are poor, they find
it difficult to pay for medicines and hospitalization of the child. Therefore, they have requested for donations from
kind hearted individuals so that they can save the life of the child.
Your kind remittances may please be sent to the following bank account:
Bank Account No.: 4837101000588
Name of the Account Holder: Manjunatha
Bank: Canara Bank, 1st Floor, Sudhai Complex, S J Road,
Janapura, Bhadravathi, Shimoga 577301.
Bank IFSC Code: CNRB0004837
Telephone No.: 91 87108 84597
Rubina Sartho(34),Palethady House,Pavoor Post,Via Manjeshwar,Kasargod-671323
Friday, March 18, 2016
Rubina Sartho(34),wife of Thomas D'Souza, is diagnosed as a case of recurrent giant cell tumour. She is being
treated in Father Muller Hospital with Inj denosumab chemotherapy. She has already undergone six such
chemotherapies at the cost of Rs 1,60,000 that too after concession. She had to also undergo a couple of
operations. She is a teacher by profession.
She will have to be treated with further four chemotherapies costing more than Rs one lac. She has other medical
tests and treatments with separate expenses. She has two small children. Her husband being a driver is not in a
position to cope up with the medical expenditure.
Please send your generous and kind remittances to her following bank account:
Bank Account No.: 40606101007453
Name of the Bank Account Holder: Rubina Sartho
Bank: Kerala Gramina Bank,
Pavoor Post, Via Manjeshwar,Kasargod
Bank IFSC Code: KLGB0040606
Telephone No.: 91 94472 86881, 91 94476 53073
Published by Fr Felix Rebello
c/o Infant Jesus Church, Jogeshwari
Mob. 9819688630, Email:frfelixrebello@gmail.com, gemenewsletter@gmail.com
website: www.stfrancisxavierpanvel.in
GEM E-Newsletter Facebook Link
http://www.facebook.com/gemenewsletter