In this eight-minute video, you will hear members of the Dongria Kondh, the custodians of the Niyamrigi hills in Orissa, India, speaking out against Vedanta resources and the hardships they have had to endure as a result of the company’s aluminum refinery.
Placed at the foot of the hills, Vedanta manipulated and then drove out at least one community for the refinery. Now the Kondh suffer from a range of problems; from not being able to sleep because of the noise from the refinery, to getting sore throats when they drink the water and itchy skin when they bathe.
The situation may soon get much worse for the Kondh. Vedanta is currently poised to expand the refinery, and proceed with its plan to build a controversial bauxite mine at the top of the hills. This is despite the bold assurances from Vedanta’s CEO that his company would first consult and gain permission from the Kondh before doing so.
In the face of this ‘development’, the Dongria Kondh will see their way of life, their economy, their belief system, and their history destroyed.
Please take moment to sign this letter, imploring the Prime Minister of India to safeguard the Dongria Kondh’s rights.
- Watch on Youtube
- More videos at actionaid.org
- Learn more about the Dongria Kondh
John Ahniwanika Schertow is an indigenous rights activist of Mohawk (Kanienkehaka) and mixed-European descent. For the past 8 years, he has served as the e... 
The Dongria Kondh (also known as the Dongria Kondhas) are Indigenous Peoples who inhabit the plateaus of the Niyamgiri hill ranges... 
Dear Sir, please leave the tribal people of India secure in their natural habitats. The World is looking to India to show compassion to our fellow men as Prajapati advises all to do. It would be great if India again became a shining light as an example for all the World to follow. Yours faithfully, Eamon Smith, Ireland. AUM NAMAH SHIVA YA.