Mine: Story of a Sacred Mountain
Survival International's new short film, ‘Mine’, tells the story of the remote Dongria Kondh tribe’s struggle to protect the mountain they worship as a God.
London-based mining company Vedanta Resources plans a vast open-cast bauxite mine in India’s Niyamgiri hills, and the Dongria Kondh know that means the destruction of their forests, their way of life, and their mountain God.
The film is narrated by Indian-born actress Joanna Lumley and features music by Skin.
The following quotes were issued by Vedanta Resources in defence of their decision to construct a mine on the Dongria Kondh’s sacred mountain.
‘The process of bauxite mining in Niyamgiri has been studied in depth by expert agencies and conclusions are that during and post mining, there is in fact an improvement in the overall forest cover and water table.’
Vedanta Resources letter to Survival, 2008
‘We firmly believe that, as enlightened and privileged human beings, we should not try to keep the tribal and other backward people in a primitive, uncared-and-unprovided-for socio-economic environment. We have a strong obligation to provide them with education, health care and sustainable livelihood opportunities so that they move forward with the rest of the world in an all inclusive growth path.’
Vedanta Resources letter to Survival, 2008
‘There is no question of any placement of any person or persons. The Dongria Kondh tribe does not reside in this area.’
Vedanta Resources letter to Survival, 2008
‘We are used to the Indian government here. But the Vedanta government has come and devastated so many people. They won’t let us live in peace. They want to take these rocks from the mountain. But if they take away these rocks, how will we survive? Because of these the rain comes. The winter comes, the wind blows, the mountain brings all the water. If they take away these rocks, we’ll all die. We’ll lose our soul. Niyamgiri is our soul.’
Sikaka Lodu, Dongria Kondh man, November 2008
‘You should go to Lanjigarh and find out how the refinery came to be there. Life is so hard there. Now that people there have realised what is happening they are speaking out against it. Initially they welcomed the company but now they realise their mistake because they live like dogs. Now they realise they’ve lost their land and their homes forever. Vedanta has stolen everything from them. Go to Lanjigarh and see it for yourself.’
Sikaka Lodu, Dongria Kondh man, November 2008
‘Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters, did you hear everything? We need people from outside to stand with us. Then we have to fight. Then we can survive. We can save our land. And we can be in charge of our territory.’
Pidikaka Bari, Dongria Kondh man, November 2008
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 15 April 2009 06:15 |
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