With the Supreme Court’s verdict on Thursday saying that Gram Sabha would take a decision on the issue of mining in Niyamgiri by Vedanta, environmentalist and petitioner in the case Prafulla Samantara welcomed the apex court’s judgement but said he would have been happier if the court had said no to mining in the hills in unequivocal terms.
“I feel quite happy to see the apex court verdict today, though I would have been happier, if the court had said a clear no to mining in Niyamgiri,” said Samantara, president of lok Shakti Abhiyan, in a statement.
The environmental activist said the Supreme Court’s verdict has been a relief to the primitive Dongaria tribe and all others who opposed destruction of their hilly abode by mining.
“The court has vindicated the repeated assertions of Dongarias and on their behalf by many concerned groups and individuals that all rights have been blatantly violated by Vedanta.
They Apex Court could have easily allowed Vedanta to go ahead with its mining proposal given the extractive nature of capital that is influencing judiciary everywhere. But they did not do so.
This is a victory for the Dongarias and tribal communities and all potentially displaced communities, including Posco evacuees,” he said.
Hailing the court for setting a precedent in the vexed issue in which it has said that a judge appointed by the State High Court would remain present during the meeting of the Gram Sabha and sign all minutes, Samantara said, “The means the Apex Court does not have faith in the conduct of the State and district administration as well Vedanta, who might influence the proceedings of Gram Sabha. Therefore, for the first time in the history of democratic India, a judicial officer of district judge rank has to be appointed by the High Court to oversee the process. This is a slap on the face of Vedanta and the State. This should also be followed in all disputed places affected by mega projects.”
However, Samantara doubted if the Gram Sabha can function independent of lobby or pressure. He said that the decision of the Garm Sabha can be influenced by money and muscle power. Besides, the coercive administration and police might foil fair and unbiased decision-making by the Gram Sabha.
“Since a fake combing operation is going on in the area by security forces with the help and support of Vedanta, an atmosphere of fear and intimidation is prevailing over there which may badly affect the conduct of Gram Sabhas,” he
apprehended, demanding that the Gram Sabhas should be conducted in all affected places and just not the ones prescribed by administration.