In 2013, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – funded 4,150 MW coal-fired Tata Mundra power project began operating in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. Although the stated goal of the project was poverty reduction and development, it instead has had severely detrimental effects on the environment and the communities living in the area. Fish populations have declined significantly and water quality has deteriorated, affecting the health of fishing and farming communities and compromising their sources of livelihood. Earlier this year, the communities, represented by Earth Rights International (ERI), filed a lawsuit against the IFC in federal court in Washington D.C. This month the IFC filed a motion to dismiss, claiming that as an international organization, it is immune from legal action, and arguing that if allowed to proceed, the suit would discourage development lending. The communities are seeking vindication of their rights, and compensation for the substantial economic, environmental and social harm caused by IFC’s investment. Their message:#IFCyouinCourt
Press release: http://www.earthrights.org/media/world-bank-group-claims-absolute-immunity-allows-it-avoid-responsibility-destructive-coal