Activists caution against Vedanta's push to revive Niyamgiri bauxite mining

The National Alliance of People's Movements cautioned against renewed efforts to revive bauxite mining in Odisha's Niyamgiri hills following statements by Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal.

Activist Prafulla Samantara noted that the proposed project was halted nearly 13 years ago after gram sabhas in 12 Dongria Kondh villages unanimously rejected mining.

Activists emphasized that the rights of Adivasi communities in Scheduled Areas are protected under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, PESA, and the Forest Rights Act.