Japan Pollution victims petition Manabe for action

[John Visher <visherjc@crisscross.com>]

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/news6-99/news.html#story8

Juen 7, 1999

Pollution victims petition Manabe for action

          Representatives of a citizens' group federation working toward
a pollution-free society handed a petition Monday to Environmental
          Agency chief Kenji Manabe calling for government measures to
tackle dioxin-related problems.

          It was just one of the activities planned by the federation --
composed of roughly 200 groups nationwide whose members claim to be
          victims of pollution -- during its two-day annual unified
action that began Monday to demand compensation and an immediate
resolution
          to ongoing pollution-related court battles.

          During its 24th annual campaign, the federation hopes to raise
public awareness of the air pollution problem in southern Nagoya by
          holding a rally and a meeting. In a related court battle,
residents of the district have demanded compensation from alleged
          pollution-emitting corporations, including Chubu Electric
Power Co.

          The federation is also expected to call on government agencies
to take more steps to resolve noise pollution problems in areas
surrounding
          Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo and around Fukuoka Airport,
and to regulate reclamation of the Inland Sea.