A Rebellion of Tribal Triumph and Indian Sanctity: The Koel Karo Movement

History serves as proof that tribals have frequently been targeted for their resources, such as forests and land. The rebellion they initiated against such exploitation often ended in futility. However, one such movement was not lost in oblivion but it flourished and won its battle, imparting a lesson to the neo-colonialists.

The movement was spearheaded by the Mundas and Oraon tribes I Source: Craig Goch

Forests and rivers constitute the legacy and habitat of those whose lives are closely intertwined with nature. Throughout history, mankind has frequently obstructed those leading peaceful and frugal lives amidst the embrace of nature. Following the era of colonisation, neo-colonialism emerged, perpetuating the targeting of nature as a hindrance to capitalist progress. Similarly, those who relied on nature for sustenance also found themselves under attack.

In the post-independence era, the construction of dams across the nation often ignited civil unrest. Mass protests, at times, escalating into governmental violence, ensued. Development, it seemed, booked no hindrance, even if it meant uprooting people from their homes. However, perhaps if these individuals had been ‘civilised’ akin to city dwellers or the elite who pursued foreign education, their plight might have been different.

Nevertheless, tribals have persistently faced marginalisation, relegated to the periphery, and burdened with labels that reinforce their inferior status. Post-independence, tribals found themselves even more vulnerable. First, the British colonisation branded them as "savage" and "wild"; now, their own countrymen were expelling them from their ancestral homes, treating them as expendable entities.

In truth, tribals possess deep-rooted connections. While urban populations are familiar with migration, tribals are not; they've never felt the need for it. Consequently, when the government abruptly declared plans for dam construction over their homes, lands, and forests, compelling them to relocate, their response was one of protest and defiance.

The year was 1957 when the government, propelled by ambitious development endeavours, unveiled the ‘Koel-Karo Hydro Electric Project’. This initiative aimed erect two dams—one on the south bank of the Koel River in Basia village, and the other on the north bank of the Karo River in Lohajimi village. These dams were projected to generate 710 watts of electricity, backed by a budget of 137 crores. This project was lauded as a groundbreaking effort to harness bio-power and alleviate the electricity crisis in Jharkhand.

The tribal population inhabited a realm removed from the concerns of a burgeoning nation. Even if they might have acquiesced to the proposal, the projected displacement percentage of tribal families was alarmingly high. Approximately, 200,000 faced the prospect of losing their homes due to the project. Consequently, the Koel-Karo Jan Sanghthan emerged, giving rise to the Koel Karo Movement, chiefly led by the Munda and Oraon tribes.

A still from the movement I Source: indiaenvironmentportal.in

The leaders of the movement anchored their resistance on the non-violent principles of Satyagraha. However, law enforcement often lost patience, responding to gunfire during nearly every protest. One such demonstration left around twenty-two tribals severely injured. This incident roused law enforcement from their complacency. In 1988, the Supreme decreed that tribals must receive monetary compensation and land-to-land reacquisition.

Yet, the tribals remained unsatisfied with this resolution. They yearned to retain their ancestral lands, passed down through generations; their sole inheritance. Years passed, and a new government assumed power in Jharkhand, proving even harsher toward the tribals than its predecessors. More tribals suffered, yet the protest persisted, culminating in victory in 2003.

In 2003, the Koel-Karo Hydraulic Power Project was officially abandoned. The realisation that displacing 40% of the tribal displacement from their villages was a grave injustice that underpinned this decision. The success of the movement underscored India's evolving commitment to emphatic policies. Though corruption may eventually breach all barriers, the history of the Koel-Karo Movement reinforced the importance of reflecting on and drawing inspiration from the unwavering efforts of modest individuals like the tribals. Their refusal to yield, their fight for their homes, and their upholding of their values are intrinsic to India's cultural identity from its inception.