The Dongria Kondh
Endangered tribals up against the terror of Vedanta
This article is written by Living Farms & published in the Seedlling newsletter of the organisation Grain.
The Niyamgiri Hills, which range over 250 kilometres across the districts of Rayagada, Kalahandi and Koraput in Orissa, are home to more than 8,000 Dongaria Kondhs and other tribals who are now wholeheartedly engaged in what they have been doing for centuries: defending their hills, forests and streams. This time, however, they face a more formidable enemy than ever – a mining giant that calls itself “Vedanta”, a term that in Hindu philosophy embodies centuries of spiritual knowledge and traditional wisdom.
Read more: Endangered tribals up against the terror of Vedanta
The Dongria Kondh and Vedanta Mining Company
The niyamgiri hill is sacred to the Dongria Kondh. They have always lived there. The hill is not only their god, it is also their home and livelihood. Now, British mining company Vedanta has plans for open-cast mining on Niyamgiri hill. The effects will be devastating for the hill's eco-system and the future existance of the Dongria Kondh. They do not want to live without their mountain. How will they be able to survive?
