Niyamgiri Hills and Bauxite Mining Controversy

#GS-1 #Geography #Resources #GS-3 #Environment #Biodiversity #Indian Society #Vulnerable Sections #Forest Rights Act, 2006 #Odisha #Niyamgiri Hills

Key takeaways

Renewed calls for bauxite mining in Odisha's Niyamgiri Hills have sparked concerns regarding tribal rights and environmental degradation.
The region is home to the Dongria Kondh, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) that considers Niyamgiri as the sacred abode of Niyam Raja.
The ecologically rich range feeds crucial river systems such as the Vamsadhara and Nagavali.
In 2013, following a landmark Supreme Court order, 12 Gram Sabhas unanimously rejected the mining proposal using powers under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Fresh demands to restart bauxite mining in Odisha's Niyamgiri Hills have sparked concerns among tribal communities and environmental activists.
These groups fear that renewed mining will threaten local indigenous rights and damage the delicate ecosystem.

The region serves as the ancestral home for the Dongria Kondh community.
This community is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
The tribe relies entirely on local forests, natural streams, and traditional farming methods for survival.

The Dongria Kondh consider Niyamgiri to be the sacred residence of their supreme deity, Niyam Raja.
Because of this deep faith, the hills form the core of their cultural and religious identity.

Niyamgiri features rich biodiversity, natural perennial streams, thick forests, and climate-resilient farming systems.
The ecosystem performs key environmental duties such as storing water, capturing carbon, and balancing local weather.
The hill system nurtures major regional rivers including the Vamsadhara and Nagavali.
It provides shelter to rare wildlife species such as leopards, sloth bears, and giant squirrels.

In 2013, the Supreme Court directed local administrative units to decide on the mining proposal.
Following this order, 12 Gram Sabhas across Rayagada and Kalahandi unanimously voted against the mining project.
This event became a historic milestone for recognizing indigenous rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.