(This is the first post we’ve written in about a Month. Apologies to our readers who had been waiting for further posts as Arun and I were rather busy during this time. This also points out a dire need to have more writers for the site and any suggestions are welcome )
When a multi-billion dollar mining company known for its dunious reputation world over in the preservation of human rights decides to set up a mega aluminium project in lanjigarh in Orissa, speculations on the project are bound to arise. Finally the Ministry of Environment and Forests published its report yesterday stating;
“That displacement, loss of livelihood, pollution, non-payment of compensation of land and objections to the project and its effects are some of the causes for discontent and protest” & “That these are aspects that are integral to the lives of the Dongria Kondh (local tribes people) and do not appear to have been considered while deciding to open up the mountain top for mining,”
This is not new for Vedanta. In 2007, Zambia’s biggest mining company, Konkola Copper Mine (KCM), owned by Vendanta, caused widespread water pollution when its acidic effluent entered the Kafue River, the main source of water of about 2 million people in the area. In Armenia it underwent a criminal investigation into its unlawful gold operations and was disallowed from any further activity in the country. In November 2007 the government of Norway withdrew all investments in Vedanta after its Ethical Council concluded the company ‘has caused serious damage to people and to the environment as a result of its economic activities’. (See Neerja Dasani’s article )
About the Situation
The problem in India is somewhat similar. Vedanta wishes to set up a huge aluminium project in the niyamgiri hills in Orissa, in an area originally inhabited by the Dognri Kondhs, classified as one of India’s most reclusive and primitive tribes. The Kondhs consider the environmentally sensitive Hills to be their “Living God”. Vedanta aluminium refinery there has led to water and air pollution, seriously undermining the quality of life and threatening the health of nearby communities.
In fact, Amnesty stated that the 8,000 strong community, mainly ‘adivasis’ (tribals) in Odisha’s Lanjigarh suffered violations of human rights to water and health, due to pollution by Vedanta’s aluminium refinery. Many of them oppose a bauxite mine cropping up near their homes because they say it could dry up to 36 streams and two rivers that criss-cross the hills, while the noise, dust and pollution could kill off mango, pineapple, orange and other fruit plantations, a key source of food for the local people.
Slowly then, the tribes will themselves disappear. Action Aid stated;
“If this mining permission is granted, the primitive group will completely vanish — they cannot go and live in some other place and cope with another way of life”.
The Orissa Gov.’s Hand
Sterlite Industries is one of the subsidiaries of Vendanta that is participating in the mining operations. While the Orissa government has given a clean chit to the Company, the MoEF has stated that if there is any issue that arises with the license and the environment, then the license will not be given.
The Orissa government’s clean chit was sort of expected. This because Sterlite Industries is itself co-owned by the Orissa Government!!
The Report
The MoEF appointed a three-member committee, comprising Usha Ramanathan, an independent law researcher, Vinod Rishi, additional director general (wildlife) at Dehradun’s Wildlife Institute of India, and JK Tewari, chief conservator of forests, MoEF (Bhubaneshwar) to look into the various allegations against Vedanta. The Report, submitted on Friday contradicts the claims of Orissa Gov. officials that the implementation of the FRA (Forest Rights Act) has been completed. The report states that there is enough to show that serious damage would be caused to the tribal community and the environment and show cause notices have been issued to Vedanta and its companies.
The issue also brings into new light the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act. A statute, that is under consideration by the Government to take care of the rights of tribal populations as a result of mining and corporate activities.
See also;
1) http://beta.thehindu.com/news/article103761.ece
2) http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Metals-Mining/Vedantas-Orissa-mining-project-under-govt-scanner-/articleshow/5688483.cms
3) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703909804575124681435879088.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
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