New Delhi: April 18, 2013 13:39 IST
The Supreme Court has continued a ban on bauxite
mining in the Niyamgiri Hills in Odisha considered sacred by tribals.
In a verdict that appears to recognize the rights of forest-dwelling Dongria-Kondh tribals to have a say in projects that affect their habitat, economic development and culture, the Supreme Court has said that it's up to the gram sabhas or local self-governments in two districts to decide if the Niyamgiri Hills are home to their deity. They have been asked to share their decision within three months with the union Environment Ministry.
In a verdict that appears to recognize the rights of forest-dwelling Dongria-Kondh tribals to have a say in projects that affect their habitat, economic development and culture, the Supreme Court has said that it's up to the gram sabhas or local self-governments in two districts to decide if the Niyamgiri Hills are home to their deity. They have been asked to share their decision within three months with the union Environment Ministry.
The Supreme Court said,
"If the project, affects their (tribals) religious rights, especially
their right to worship their deity, known as Niyam Raja, in the hills top of
the Niyamgiri range of hills, that right has to be preserved and protected. We
find that this aspect of the matter has not been placed before the Gram Sabha
for their active consideration."
The mining project is a joint
venture between UK-Based Vedanta Resources which is controlled by billionaire
Anil Aggarwal and the state government. It is meant to supply bauxite, the main
raw material for aluminium, to an alumina refinery it has set up nearby.
The refinery was shut in December because of a shortage of bauxite.
In 2011, the union government had refused environmental clearances to the mining project
The Odisha government had challenged the Centre's decision in the Supreme Court, because it stood to lose thousands of crores in investment.
In 2011, the union government had refused environmental clearances to the mining project
The Odisha government had challenged the Centre's decision in the Supreme Court, because it stood to lose thousands of crores in investment.
