Third Gram Sabha rejects Vedanta’s Niyamgiri Plans

After two Gram Sabhas in Rayagada district, it’s the turn of another Gram Sabha in Odisha’s Kalahandi district to say NO to bauxite mining in the Niyamgiri Hills by Vedanta. Another nine Gram Sabhas will be held soon in both these districts, which will decide the fate of Vedanta.

The villagers at Tadijhola, who worship the Niyamgiri Hills have vowed to prevent Vedanta from going for bauxite mining there. Although none of them belong to Dongria, Kutia or Jharania Kondh tribe, they still opposed Vedanta in vociferous terms.

At Tadijhola, 19 out of 22 villagers were present at the meeting. 11 of them were women. Most of the villagers were from ‘Goud’ community, which falls under OBC category.