The Legendary Niyamgiri Movement

In 2003, Vedanta Resources wanted to start mining operations in the Niyamgiri hills, which are home to the indigenous Dongria Kondh tribe. What followed was a long battle between the two groups and the historic decision of the Supreme Court.

The Niyamgiri Movement. (Image Source: Feminism In India)

Nestled in the eastern state of Odisha, the enchanting Niyamgiri hills are not only home to lush forests and breathtaking landscapes but also to the indigenous Dongria Kondh tribe, a PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group). They are a small community of around 8000 Adivasis who consider the hills to be the abode of their God, Niyam Raja. They abide by the niyam (traditional rules) of restraint regarding the use of natural resources. One such rule prohibits the felling of trees in the Niyamgiri hills. For generations, the Dongria Kondh people had thrived in harmony with nature, their lives intricately woven into the tapestry of the hills.

However, their tranquil existence was soon disrupted in 2003 when Vedanta Resources, a multinational mining company, cast its covetous eyes upon the hills. Vedanta saw great potential in the bauxite-rich land, envisioning massive mining operations that would fuel their profits. Oblivious to the cultural and environmental significance of the hills, the Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vedanta Aluminum Limited and sought to extract the precious mineral, unaware of the consequences it would bring.

News of Vedanta's plans reached the ears of the Dongria Kondh, sending shockwaves through their tight-knit community. They understood that their way of life, their spiritual beliefs, and their very existence were threatened. Fear accompanied by anger gripped their hearts while igniting a fierce determination to protect their sacred land.

The Niyamgiri Movement then emerged as a grassroots people’s movement that opposed the environmental clearance granted to this mining project. The protestors blocked roads that led to the hills and staged large-scale marches and sit-ins in Bhubaneswar. With each passing day, their resolve grew stronger, and they embarked on a journey to safeguard their heritage, not only for themselves but for future generations as well.

Over time, the movement gained momentum, capturing the attention of environmentalists, human rights organisations, and concerned individuals from around the world. Their cause became a symbol of the struggle for indigenous rights and environmental justice. The hills echoed with the sound of chants, songs, and protests as the movement flourished.

Legal battles ensued as the Dongria Kondh and their supporters challenged Vedanta Resources' plans. The case eventually reached the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court of India, where the fate of the Niyamgiri hills hung in the balance.

In a landmark ruling in 2013, the Supreme Court recognised the intrinsic rights of the Dongria Kondh. It declared that the decision to allow mining in the hills should rest with the village councils, honouring the principle of self-determination and consent. The court's decision sent waves of jubilation through the tribe and their supporters, for they had triumphed against formidable odds.

With the court's verdict in their favour, the Dongria Kondh conducted democratic consultations within their villages. Village after village, they voted overwhelmingly against the mining proposal. The hills had spoken, and their verdict was clear—Niyamgiri was to remain untouched, preserving the ancestral land and the way of life it nurtured.

As the news spread far and wide, the Niyamgiri movement became an inspiration for indigenous communities worldwide. It stood as an epitome of the power of unity, resilience, and unwavering determination. It also demonstrated how granting veto powers can stop infractions, particularly when PVTGs opt for restricted contact or even voluntary isolation. Respecting the desires of such minority groups is vital.

The Dongria Kondh and their allies not only protected their own land but paved the way for a greater understanding of the rights of indigenous people and the importance of environmental stewardship. The Niyamgiri movement would forever be etched in history as a story of triumph—a story of a community's fight for justice, love for their land, and the enduring power of solidarity.