Mine your business

An Amnesty report highlights how the government gave misleading and scanty information about the potential impact of the alumina refinery expansion to the tribals in Orissa

Abhish K Bose Delhi

A recent report published by the Amnesty International says that the Indian authorities gave scanty or misleading information about the potential impact of a proposed alumina refinery expansion and mining project to be operated by subsidiaries of UK based Vedanta Resources in Orissa.

The report documents how this alumina refinery operated by a subsidiary of Vedanta is causing air and water pollution that threatens the health of local people and their access to water. "People are living in the shadow of a massive refinery, breathing polluted air and afraid to drink from and bath in a river that is one of the main sources of water in the region," says Ramesh Gopalakrishnan, an Amnesty International researcher in South Asia. "It is shocking how those who are most affected by the project have been provided with least information," Ramesh added.

"We used to bath in the river, but now I am scared of taking my children there. Both my sons have had rashes and blisters after bathing in the river," the report quotes a local woman. The report mentions that the government is considering an expansion of the refinery despite the fact that it is situated near a river and several villages. R Sreedhar, an environmental scientist, told Hardnews, "The proposed mine threatens the very existence of the Dongria Kondh, an 8,000 strong protected indigenous community that has lived on the Niyamgri hills for centuries. The hills are considered sacred by the Dongria Kondh and are essential for their economic, physical and cultural survival. The government has yet not asked the opinion of this community."

The Amnesty International demanded that the Indian government and Vedanta Resources should ensure that there is no further expansion of the refinery and the authorities should consult with local people and amicably settle the issue.