tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185314772011-07-28T22:19:16.225+05:30Environmental Protection Group Orissa: A non-funded networkEPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.comBlogger761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-31138188276832269302010-05-15T23:43:00.000+05:302010-05-15T23:43:38.186+05:30

The valiant and heroic anto-POSCO resistance fighting for the right to live and livelihood faces its strongest test as the Orissa state and bureaucracy (owned lock, stock and barrel by POSCO, Vedanta and TATAs) have finally decided to unleash its might on its own citizens to obtain land for POSCO. As of latest, massive violence have been unleashed on resisters, men, women and children, by almost

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-69665282698867134112010-05-08T07:43:00.000+05:302010-05-08T07:43:39.556+05:30

The police has been entering villages protesting displacement and trying to break down houses. In this they are supported by pro TATA goons. Yesterday, as per the information received, almost a thousand armed policemen entered Chandia village in order to demolish houses. They were confronted by large  number of tribal men and women, who said that they would die before they allow the houses to be

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-57400864912996163122010-04-29T09:05:00.000+05:302010-04-29T09:05:32.067+05:30

Please read on: Orissa Mining Scam: Government at fault for allowing illegal MiningDebabrata MohantyFinancial Express, Wednesday, Apr 28 Bhubaneswar: In a clear damnation of the Orissa government, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court hearing into the allegation of forest law violations in multi-crore mining scam in the State, has said that mining activities were going on

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-90446464738009495262010-04-17T00:35:00.000+05:302010-04-17T00:35:28.318+05:30

This is a beautiful short film which captures the tragedy of Kalinganagar. Moderator

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-83135163492055657122010-04-17T00:10:00.000+05:302010-04-17T00:10:53.720+05:30

Please find the latest from Kalingangar and link to a TV newsreport http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJakoZXofG8  Today morning Ghanshyam Kalundia of Baligotha village died succumbing to prolonged undiagnosed diseases. Just two days ago he had made it to newspaper headlines - "I want to live." Ghanshyam is the third person to die within a week for unavailability of medical support. Already

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-7725263686036404742010-04-13T09:55:00.000+05:302010-04-13T09:55:29.746+05:30

A long article in ET on the Vedanta Niyamgiri issue. Note the very last para - it quotes Vedanta as saying " “Even if they start exploring in other locations now, it will still take three more years before they can offer us mines. For that reason, Niyamgiri is a must for the refinery,” he said, adding that the company would force the state government “to fulfill the terms of the agreement

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-81744027505857378842010-04-13T09:39:00.002+05:302010-04-13T09:46:53.554+05:30

A number of journalists managed to break through the police and TATA goons cordon around the Kalinganagar movement villages and talk to the villagers. Prashant Pattanaik describes the trip in his article posted on Orissa Matters.Subhash Pattanayak has also posted some of pictures taken by the journalists on the Orissa Matters Blog

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-11671128969819058072010-04-08T02:14:00.001+05:302010-04-08T02:16:12.636+05:30

Shri Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare Honourable Governor Orissa State Raj Bhawan, Bhubaneswar Sub: Citizens Appeal on Kalinganagar Situation April 7, 2010 Respected Rajyapalji, With deep shock and disbelief we share the following quite avoidable tragic happenings in

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-32018603157550809282010-04-08T00:46:00.003+05:302010-04-08T00:53:03.910+05:30

Media Persons of Orissa met outside Soochana Bhawan today to protest against the attacks on fellow journalists at Kalinganagar by BJD and Tata sponsored goons.About 50 media persons from leading media outfits ( print and electronic) took part in the protest. Some interesting posters from the event.If you can't see the image, please go to epgorissa.blogspot.com

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-87441374256832191002010-03-27T08:14:00.004+05:302010-03-30T19:00:36.728+05:30

As predicted earlier, the government and the goons have started a reign of terror against protesting tribals in Kalinganagar. The Bisthapan Birodhi Jana Manch (BBJM) and the villagers are resisting this ingress. Apparently one person has been shot and injured, people beaten up discriminately, houses burned and cattle shot. The account of the 14 tribals who were killed in 2006 hasn't been settled

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-67353011441965551502010-03-15T05:57:00.002+05:302010-03-15T07:01:16.094+05:30

I had written about a certain set of NROs earlier at http://epgorissa.blogspot.com/search/label/Non%20Resident%20Oriyas Then recently a threat started on a listserve regarding operation greenhunt. One certain Mr. Manoj Padhi, whose heart apparently beats for Orissa and Oriyas had the following words to say about Orissa's tribals ""The answer to all these tribals is - " (tax) Money is not

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-63622158155106552802010-03-13T08:43:00.003+05:302010-03-13T08:54:16.154+05:30

Vedanta is apparently violating both the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 - as found by a Ministry of Environment & Forest Team. This officially substantiates what many of us have been trying to tell the state and central government for quite some time. It also shows the contempt with which Vedanta holds the rule of law in India - that in fact the infamous Supreme

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-17283332612223243902010-03-11T10:56:00.002+05:302010-03-11T11:10:03.579+05:30

Somehow Kalinganagar seems to have slipped out of the consciousness of the chattering classes- who are currently more distracted by the so called threats posed by the Maoists, who are supposed to take over the Indian State by 2050 - a red herring of quite large proportions. Meanwhile my friends who keep track of movements and corporates say that the state is OK with the maoists- what they are

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-54181340384471023402010-02-23T03:14:00.007+05:302010-02-23T03:17:09.668+05:30

Photos by Satyabadi Naik

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-81251698023748275882009-11-23T18:14:00.003+05:302009-11-23T18:20:37.610+05:30

Democracy’ at its worst ! (Fact Finding of Narayanpatna Firing on CMAS) As this report gets written Singanna and Andru’s bodies are being cremated at Podapadar village amidst a throng of police platoons waiting to arrest any member of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) who exposes herself or himself to the police. Already 20 have been arrested and there is evident fear of many more hundreds

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-17426545297094310322009-10-06T00:51:00.003+05:302009-10-11T19:49:08.865+05:30

5th September, 2009A rally of over 5000 people gathered together at Muniguda, inspite of the heavy rains and an ongoing Bus strike, to protest Vedanta’s proposal to mine Niyamgiri. Thousands of Jharania and Dongaria Kondhs braved the rains to join the rally with their traditional arms. The rally started at 10 am from Rajulguda village near Dahikhal and reached Muniguda petrol pump where tribals

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-63075845869002980722009-09-06T03:56:00.003+05:302009-09-06T04:00:34.364+05:30

I shouldn't be lifting it from a blog wholesale - but this is a wonderfully informed and data/information rich post on "catastrophic global warming". The original blog, which again is very useful.RegardsKundanhttp://climateprogress.org/2009/03/22/an-introduction-to-global-warming-impacts-hell-and-high-water/An introduction to global warming impacts: Hell and High WaterMarch 22, 2009This is for

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-72376638565878550682009-09-06T03:47:00.002+05:302009-09-06T03:52:39.808+05:30

Please find this very interesting article. It is again written from a westerner's perspective, but note that our nemesis (i.e. for people from the developing world) is very close if no drastic action is taken. http://www.marklynas.org/2007/4/23/six-steps-to-hell-summary-of-six-degrees-as-published-in-the-guardian'Six steps to hell' - summary of Six Degrees as published in the Guardian 23 April

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-27628612178172471472009-09-04T21:01:00.001+05:302009-09-04T21:02:17.746+05:30

A song on Dongarias and Niyamgiri by Milli Bhagat.

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-48357027174980854992009-09-04T20:45:00.002+05:302009-09-04T20:54:11.410+05:30

Please an article from Guardian on climate change. One of them talks about rise in sea level because of melting glaciers. Predictions of sea level rise of upto 150 cm. by century end have been made by USA's Geological Survey- and some scientists say that this may be an underestimate.Has someone done a detailed analysis of the impact of sea level rise on coastal Orissa- what will be the zones of

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-8616114968357654982009-08-31T03:19:00.002+05:302009-08-31T03:23:34.566+05:30

This is a nice short clip on the sacrifice of those opposing displacement, landgrab and pollution in name of industrialisation.

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-7944621231494875612009-07-28T00:00:00.002+05:302009-07-28T00:11:29.667+05:30

Please find some of the coverage of Niyamgiri Issue in Guardian and the BBC.Kundanhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jul/26/vedanta-mining-india-bianca-jaggerActivists call on Vedanta investors to oppose mine on holy site in IndiaLocal councils and the Church of England will come under fire for holding shares in the mining group which is opening a new mine in forests on the mountain of Niyam

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-62301210292254792542009-07-26T20:12:00.003+05:302009-07-26T20:18:19.123+05:30

Successful Protest against Vedanta in Lanjigarh, Orissa Despite company goons tried to stop activists on the way 25 July 2009See photographs at http://www.epgorissa.org/apps/photos/album?albumid=6620562 Hundreds of tribals from the Niyamgiri mountain and Lanjigarh staged a protest against Vedanta's mining and refinery project that will ruin the sacred Niyamgiri mountain alongwith its water

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-70376927286532520302009-07-23T07:50:00.002+05:302009-07-23T08:10:05.815+05:30

Vedanta, the company who wants 6000 acres for a piddly university (my own institution University of Toronto's main campus is around 200 acres only with a student population of nearly 70,000) shows its real, irresponsible face again. This time- surprise, surprise - it is our Pollution Control Board- which has issued a show cause notice to Vedanta's massive aluminium smelter and power plant in

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-88768656515629896982009-07-23T02:25:00.003+05:302009-07-23T02:58:38.882+05:30

It is good to see prominent persons in the civil society voicing their concern over the increasing repression by the state government of Orissa, using the excuse of Maoists. This is an powerful appeal, made by a person very familiar with the tribal areas of Orissa. I hope that arrest of Dr. Biswajit Roy will focus the attention of the civil society of Orissa on the deliberate and planned strategy

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-21659203635595409982009-07-23T00:03:00.002+05:302009-07-23T00:12:09.268+05:30

A series of videos on Niyamgiri Youtube Channel on Vedanta.

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-44301113766727667142009-07-13T21:32:00.002+05:302009-07-13T21:35:52.371+05:30

Thanks Himanshu Patra for bringing this information into public.______________________________________________I have bought this information under RTI from department of labourer regarding the death status in various industry ( both operating & operational). The situation is quite serious in state. Here is the summary of the informatoin. I have also attached the data regarding death in industry

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-14113084556379305352009-07-13T08:02:00.002+05:302009-07-13T08:10:04.964+05:30

A good piece on Vedanta, its Lanjigarh refinery and pollution in Business StandardLatha Jishnu: Killing them ever so softlyLatha Jishnu / New Delhi July 11, 2009, 0:33 ISTWidespread pollution by the Vedanta refinery in Orissa raises serious questions about environmental monitoring.At first sight the images are picture perfect. There are gurgling streams, a rushing river, a tree-dotted landscape,

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-53030078295102825692009-07-12T22:11:00.001+05:302009-07-12T22:12:54.869+05:30

Mining and Industrialisation update June 2009Please find the Mining and Industrialisation update for June 2009 . The editorial talks about the scandalous awarding of the "Golden Peacock Award for Environment" to Vedanta which was averted for the time being because of intervention of activists. See the video of the intervention here.

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-54012370328831548312009-07-12T22:01:00.004+05:302009-07-12T22:10:05.803+05:30

Please find the Mining and Industrialisation Update for May, 2009. The editorial talks about biomedical waste in Orissa, specially Bhubaneswar. There is a special section on mineral revenues for Orissa. The normal information on Approvals and clearances are included.

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-51012205009014954002009-06-21T20:52:00.002+05:302009-07-23T09:05:03.293+05:30

The Video "Gaon Chodab Nahin" is one of the most evocative presentations of the issue of displacement and cultural dislocations in India.The song describes the present day exploitation of nature, land, forests and people in the name of development. Based on the song originally sung in the Kashipur UAIL movement - I have heard Bhagwan Majhi sing that song- the video takes us across the heartlands

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-6132652379060406642009-06-19T08:45:00.000+05:302009-06-19T08:46:00.855+05:30

ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION Awarded in haste, withheld Over 170 organisations and individuals came together to highlight Vedanta's history of environmental irregularities to the Golden Peacock jury members, prompting a second look. Kanchi Kohli reports. 17 June 2009 - Some things make no sense whatsoever. On 12-13 June 2009, Vedanta Alumina Ltd (VAL), a world metals and mining giant was to receive the

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-13521576381212129142009-06-18T08:41:00.002+05:302009-06-18T08:54:31.101+05:30

If you remember the strange case of Vedanta Alumina being awarded The "Golden Peacock Environmental Management Award", here is a video of people in Himachal Pradesh protesting the giving of this award.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0o1PhmTjEQThe protest was in Palampur at the foot of the Dhauladhar, where World Environment Foundation was planning to award Vedanta for its "incredible

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-16503941307187148122009-06-13T00:44:00.002+05:302009-06-13T01:34:39.688+05:30

http://himachal.us/2009/06/12/activist-protest-golden-peacock-award-by-wef-to-vedanta-alumina-in-himachal/13576/news/rsoodPosted by Ravinder Sood on Jun 12th, 2009 in Environment, News.(The post has been borrowed from the site My Himachal (http://himachal.us/))PALAMPUR: Twenty activists representing environment and social action groups today barged into the World Environment Foundation’s (WEF)

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-21069843904352105492009-06-13T00:31:00.006+05:302009-06-13T00:42:52.432+05:30

Hundreds of organisations and individuals have signed on to the protest letter to the Jurors of the Golden Peacock Award for Environmental Management being awarded to Vedanta in Palampur on 13th June, 2009. Please find the letter belowKundan8th June 2009 Dear Jurors of the Golden Peacock Awards: This is to request you to issue a statement to dissociate yourselves from the organisers of the

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-58813483082125828772009-06-07T09:39:00.002+05:302009-06-07T09:51:08.914+05:30

New coverage on protests in KoraputMNCs eye forests for mininghttp://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=9&theme=&usrsess=1&id=256928 Statesman News Service KORAPUT,  5 JUNE: Multinational companies are running roughshod over the environment and livelihood of people in the state and their free run allowed by the government because they have invested huge amount, alleged Mr Prafulla Samantara

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-47479862596740315752009-06-05T03:12:00.005+05:302009-06-05T07:26:59.387+05:30

This is really incredible - totally unbelievable. As per reports in the Statesman, "Vedanta"- the company owned by Anil Agrawal has been awarded an award called "Golden Peacock Environmental Management Award" by an organisation called "World Environment Foundation" which has its office in UK and in India. According to a company press release "Vedanta Alumina refinery is the first alumina refinery

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-54318906048618060952009-05-30T22:48:00.003+05:302009-05-30T22:55:37.606+05:30

The Guardian covers the Niyamgiri story with a nice video on its website. Please seeKundan

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-25618273924911769342009-05-30T19:01:00.005+05:302009-06-03T17:40:19.980+05:30

Industrialisation and Mining Update, Orissa for March-April 2009Please find the latest Industrialisation and Mining Update, Orissa for March-April 2009.  This issue contains an editorial on river pollution in Orissa and a short status of mineral deposits and exploitation in Orissa. It also contains the information of grant of forest andenvironmental clearances in the last two months.RegardsKundan

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-14338004012299436272009-05-15T07:21:00.003+05:302009-05-15T07:36:15.492+05:30

"Shaheed" A small film on the Monthly Video Magazine MadhyantaraSamadrusti's monthly magazine Madhyantara has been made available on youtube and includes this interesting documentary film on the struggles around displacement.  A number of other videos from Samadrusti are now available for viewing at http://www.youtube.com/user/Samadrusti. These include the following videos  Ashen Life (

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-62833472281042330282009-05-13T22:03:00.007+05:302009-05-14T18:02:45.643+05:30

Public Hearing or Public FarceThose NROs and wellwishers of Orissa who imagine "development" of Orissa through extractive industrialisation should have attended the public hearing for environmental clearance forexpansion of the Lanjigarh refinery of Vedanta. They might have had the first hand opportunity of experiencing the farce of "environmental regulation" in our dear state. Vedanta is already

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-80086325339181150642009-05-13T20:40:00.003+05:302009-05-13T20:44:34.269+05:30

The challenge of India's iron wealthBy Shilpa Kannan Business reporter, BBC News India Business Report, Paradip portIron ore is now Orissa's main exportA thick haze clouds the horizon as rich red dust is poured down.As more of the fine granules of iron ore arrive on loud, rumbling conveyor belts, the loading machine scoops up large quantities to drop into the open hatch of the waiting ship. This

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-68928995197880483782009-05-11T23:09:00.003+05:302009-05-11T23:27:31.983+05:30

First of all, I want to apologize for being off the web for almost a month. I am so glad that I found the "Lament of Niyamraja" on the web. Thank you Surya.http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=93541012168&h=61I06&u=LnUtL&ref=mfThis is one of the most moving songs I have ever come across. Please see this. The song tells the story of Niyamraja, Niyamgiri and the impending sense of loss of

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-55908634549106921902009-04-15T09:05:00.005+05:302009-04-15T09:14:20.036+05:30

Vedanta's Press Release Dept has been hyper active and over imaginative in the last few months. They have been harping about the development they have brought in to Lanjigarh - a sharp contrast to reality where people have developed skin diseases. Last week there was a huge agitation by villagers in Lanjigarh which most of the mainstream media didn't report. The following article appeared on 13

banbasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17955404146951284703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-21407535603742986272009-04-03T00:15:00.002+05:302009-04-03T00:26:20.679+05:30

It is with a heavy heart that I read the news reports as well as the listserve postings about the tornado and the havoc caused by it. It reminded me of the Supercyclone and the vulnerability of our people to natural disasters. Those how would like to know more about the situation in Rajakanika and want to help can get in touch with Ranjan Rout whose email is ranjankrout@gmail.com. He has been

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-55900399075881755472009-04-01T06:29:00.002+05:302009-04-01T06:40:23.938+05:30

There is a spate of wonderful documentaries on Niyamgiri, which has slowly emerged as a major issue in the international arena. Surya Dash, the budding new filmmaker from Orissa, has put his lovely 96 minute long documentary film Niyamgiri- The Mountain of Law on youtube (in sections) in full.Survival International has made a beautiful vignette on Niyamgiri and Dongaria Kondhs. The film is called

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-3615174783015171672009-03-30T00:26:00.000+05:302009-03-30T00:28:02.705+05:30

Express News Service First Published : 28 Mar 2009 09:58:00 AM IST Last Updated : 28 Mar 2009 12:57:19 PM IST BHUBANESWAR: A Plant, endemic to Himalayan region, has been spotted in the Eastern Ghats of Orissa leaving biologists puzzled. Corallodiscus batalin, the species, is known to grow at an altitude of 600 metres to 3600 metres above the sea level. In the past, the botanists

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-17933984702958275242009-03-30T00:01:00.005+05:302009-03-30T03:36:24.171+05:30

I went to this interesting presentation on climate change yesterday, and that set me thinking about the basic injustice of climate change, specially when seen from the perspective of the common people of Orissa and India, and their oppressed brethren from across the world, who are not lucky enough to be living in developed countries or being the elite of their respective countries.The developed

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-24834117812066781262009-03-29T21:12:00.004+05:302009-03-29T21:29:28.720+05:30

A few home truths by our esteemed friend Xavier Dias expose the web of lies and propaganda spun by the corporate public relations. At issue is a press report (no doubt greased by corporate PR office) of Vedanta's fulfilling its Corporate Social responsibility (I do love the elegant acronym CSR) which was put on Jharkhand listserv. The post by Ashok Paikray, which apparently is taken from some

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-4046693961995135062009-03-29T20:56:00.009+05:302009-03-31T18:26:47.103+05:30

Like the rest of India, many of our better off Oriya brothers have moved to easier and more lucrative careers abroad. We have a thriving NRO community with a number of common platforms and listserves. Most of them, specially the first generation NROs who grew up in Orissa, are deeply concerned about Orissa, and many of them try to put their concern into concrete terms, both through words and

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-16504932972909969072009-03-29T08:01:00.001+05:302009-03-29T08:04:47.776+05:30

March 26, 2009 World Indigenous Peoples want global moratorium on mining, other extractive projects MANILA, Philippines -- The united voice of the Indigenous Peoples yesterday swept from continent to continent in 37 countries calling on their respective governments to stop large-scale mining and other extractive activities (oil and gas projects) on their indigenous lands until effective

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-31643411021556709602009-03-25T20:43:00.007+05:302009-03-25T21:00:47.563+05:30

There is an interesting exchange going on the nathistory listserve on the Dhamara project of the TATAs and its impact on turtles and their nesting ground in Gahirmatha. Amlan Dutta, who was earlier with Wildlife Institute at Dehradun, is now working with Dhamra Port Company Ltd., and therefore questioning those who claim that the Dhamra Port will be harmful for the turtle rookery at

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-75168420580041843562009-03-25T08:17:00.003+05:302009-03-25T20:57:46.020+05:30

This is terrible news- and one feels bereft and hurt that it is all the good people that leave us early. Though I didn't know him personally, but only through his work, his loss is terrible and wrenching. Kundan

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-77171986187865133032009-03-24T19:07:00.005+05:302009-03-25T08:16:54.056+05:30

Even the World Bank admits that mining in Keonjhar haven't been a boon for the local inhabitants. Based on detailed study of a large sample of villages in Keonjhar, using quantitative as well as spatial analysis, the study finds that "In terms of indicators of overall welfare, villages closer to mines have poorer health, education and production assets. These impacts are likely partly due to the

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-70300875160948448462009-03-24T07:37:00.003+05:302009-03-24T07:46:05.713+05:30

Activists float new partyThe StatesmanBHUBANESWAR, March 23: Releasing a “people’s manifesto” and floating the Lok Rajniti Manch, leaders of various people's movements across the state led by Mr Prafulla Samantra, Mr Lingaraj and others, today exhorted voters to question candidates and political parties on issues relating to water and agriculture. Also, they urged the people to question where the

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-58750099565614965372009-03-23T18:03:00.007+05:302009-03-23T22:14:11.411+05:30

The Chairman, Orissa Pollution Control Board, paints a scary scenario of the environmental impacts of the proposed industrial investments in the Sambal-Jharsuguda region in Orissa. Some quotes:"In Jharsuguda region if all the proposed aluminium smelter capacities would be made operational the emission of fluoride will remain in the range of 250-360 kg/hr, and it would severely  affect the

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-10703502300246145402009-03-23T05:42:00.003+05:302009-03-23T05:54:32.902+05:30

So much to write about. There has been a hiatus of almost three years since the blog was active. Much water has flown under the bridge during these three years. The Supreme Court provided clearance to Vedanta to mine Niyamgiri; POSCO still continues to be stymied in Jagatsinghpur; Kalinganagar people still continue to hold strong against the TATAs. We had the Kandhmal riots against Christians and

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-18602017037828214102009-03-23T04:22:00.003+05:302009-03-23T05:23:58.322+05:30

The latest on this is that it is not clear whether anyone has died or not. But the situation is dire and will be used to prosecute the DongariasDongaria Kondhs provoked by Vedanta Goons- one person probably deadReported by Surya Shankar DasOn the 18th of March, a motley group of contractors, mafia men, local supporters of Vedanta, etc. managed to get to the Niyamgiri hilltop on a SUV and a mobike

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-13793546305719211082009-03-23T04:14:00.004+05:302009-03-23T05:19:19.500+05:30

This blog was being run by Nachiketa for some time, and then became moribund as the attention shifted to running the website www.epgorissa.org.The responsibility of the running the epgorissa website has been shifted to me as a new moderator and as a part of this responsibility, I plan to restart this blog and link it to the epgorissa website. I will try to bring in things as they happen onto this

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1137319097765831732006-01-15T15:27:00.002+05:302009-03-23T05:25:05.044+05:30

I am posting the update of Independent Media dated 14/01/2006.Independent Media Update 14/01/2006 on KalinganagarDear friends,We must apologize for delays in the updates on Kalinganagar. There has been reasonably extensive press coverage of the Kalinga Nagar in various newspapers and TV channels, which need not be covered by us. However, the coverage does tend to ignore certain critical aspects

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1136780726091054512006-01-09T09:04:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:25:29.423+05:30

Going through the newspapers and the TV channels, the impression is created that the demands of the tribals of Kalinganagar is primarily for proper rehabilitation and resettlement, with jobs etc. However, it seems that the tribals are taling a stronger stand and are demanding no industries at all. They still continue to sit on the Duburi-Chhandikhole highway. I am posting the two articles as

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1136742566170720492006-01-08T23:09:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:26:09.034+05:30

This was an interesting article which lays out rational arguments against exporting iron ore. Couple of good analysis of why iron ore shouldn't be exported appreared in the papers when the POSCO MOU was signed. However, TATA's MD forgot to explain why exporting steel is such a good idea, and I feel strongly that the same arguments applies regarding exporting steel. And TATAs do export even iron

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1136660711147576432006-01-08T00:19:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:29:35.077+05:30

Another update from Independent Media of Kalinga Nagar issue. Today, on 7th Jan, the whole of Orissa came to a shut down becasue of bandh calls given by opposition on Kalinganagar episode. What seems to be more positive is that lot of common people participated in a spontaneous way- clearly what has happened has horrified large number of people.Independent Media update 7/01/20061. On Kalinga

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1136370854611951222006-01-04T15:59:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:29:51.163+05:30

Independent Media Update 04/01/2006Dear friends,The tragic events in Kalinganagar are unprecedented. Many of us were forecasting possibilities of such an event, given the rising level of resentment against indiscriminate industrialization in tribal areas of Orissa and its impact on the tribals. We are bringing out our updates again to inform a wider audience of the real ground situation.This is

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1136370501611808932006-01-04T15:54:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:36:00.225+05:30

I am attaching the various updates from Independent Media on the heinous Kalinganagar Massacre of tribals. I will keep on updating the blog as events unfold.EPGOrissaIndependent Media Update 2/1/2006It is not firing, It is cold-blooded massacreThe people of Orissa never took seriously the words of the CM Navin Pattnaik and his cabinet colleagues when they said it in the floor of the Orissa

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1133885539913010562005-12-06T20:40:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:36:32.887+05:30

Dongaria Kondhs come to Bhubaneswar, Public Hearing for Vedanta Aluminium Smelter,High Court bowls for mining corporates etc.Marriage in the family, so I was too busy to blog till today. Many interesting developments have taken place during the last few days. Dongaria Kondhs came down from Niyamgiri hills to Bhubaneswar to hold a rally against Vedanta. A public Hearing for the Vedanta Aluminium

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1132688666338250452005-11-23T00:14:00.000+05:302005-11-25T08:21:21.283+05:30

Coming back after a breakMissed blogging for last few days because of committments. I was shocked to know that 20 tribals and dalits of Kashipur movement have been behind bars because of false cases for the last six months. Incredible that policemen who shot dead three adivasis in cold blood in December 2006 are roaming around free whereas people fighting for basic democratic and human rights are

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1131813572275840722005-11-12T22:06:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:37:27.826+05:30

More news about Vedanta from Independent MediaJust in from Independent Media, Orissa. The anti-Vedanta Rally at Lanjigarh seems to have been a great success inspite of the police Bandobast.ANTI VEDANTA RALLY AT LANJIGARH DESPITE REPRESSION.DONGRIAS JOIN THE RALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME.COMPLETE 'NO' TO THE PROJECT ECHOEDIndependent Media, BhubaneswarDespspite preventive arrests of leaders and

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1131691773169215752005-11-11T12:00:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:37:55.985+05:30

Vedanta Strikes Back through the Orissa GovernmentJust in from Independent Media. The groups protesting Vedanta had organised a rally for today (11th Nov.), to protest the Alumina refinery and the proposed mining on Niyamgiri, specially in light of the scathing report submitted by the CEC to the Supreme Court. The Government of Orissa and Vedanta, it seems, are really smarting at having their

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1131639596568912092005-11-10T21:46:00.002+05:302009-03-23T05:38:28.196+05:30

Karlapat in Line of BHP Billiton FireAfter Niyamgiri, another biodiversity rich, hydrologically critical "mali" is targeted for bauxite mining. Read on:Greens see red over proposed mining near Karlapat sanctuaryPioneer News Service BhubaneswarThe move by BHP-Billiton, world's largest mining conglomerate, to obtain a mining lease close to the Karalapat Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalahandi district has

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1131385450261913362005-11-07T22:28:00.002+05:302009-03-23T05:38:59.576+05:30

Looting our Future: Iron Ore Exports from OrissaPrafulla Das of Hindu brought out an article in Hindu which says that in the last year (2004-2005) over 15.68 million tonnes of high quality iron ore was exported from Orissa to other countries. This is incredibly stupid, given that India's iron ore deposits are limited, and the national demand is growing by leaps and bounds. Even for those who

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1131381311716721982005-11-07T21:53:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:39:30.493+05:30

Demonstration in Front of Orissa Pollution Control Board by People affected by the proposed mining of Malangtoli , Keonjhar, by Orissa Sponge Iron LimitedOver 95 people, including tribals and women, from the Banspal area of Keonjhar District arrived at the Orissa Pollution Control Board Office at Bhubaneswar to protest against the proposed mining in Malangtoli by Orissa Sponge Iron Limited. They

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1131039494655525192005-11-03T23:02:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:39:53.192+05:30

More on Orissa Sponge Iron HearingStatesman's Orissa Plus had an article on the Public Hearing of the Orissa Sponge Iron Ltd. proposed mine in the Malangtoli area of Keonjhar district. Here it is"Villagers suspect foulplay in Sponge Iron hearingStatesman News ServiceKEONJHAR, Nov. 2. — The people of villages of Luhakala and Kadakala, and many social organisations have remonstrated against the

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1130959988105746972005-11-03T00:49:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:40:30.099+05:30

Bauxite deposits in South OrissaIndia has 8% of the bauxite deposits in the world, out of which 75% deposits are in Orissa.The major bauxite deposits are located in the Schedule V areas in Kalahandi, Rayagada and Koraput districts with the only largescale mining being done by NALCO on Panchapatamali of Koraput district. The bauxite deposits which are of very good quality have attracted

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1130870931039104062005-11-01T23:50:00.001+05:302009-03-23T05:40:56.167+05:30

Iron Ore and Manganese Mines in Keonjhar and SundargarhThese are some satellite pictures of mines in Keonjhar and Sundargarh. They are from Google Earth. Quite scary!! But this is the tip of iceberg - the iron ore production from this area is slated to go up ten fold in next few years. These areas are also the home of Paudi Bhuiyans and Juangs, Primitive Tribal Groups of Orissa and come under

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531477.post-1130862710386789772005-11-01T21:59:00.000+05:302006-03-07T14:19:00.013+05:30

One can consider this blog a composite of the various people who constitute EPGOrissa - Environmental Protection Group Orissa. This group emerged into being in the crucible of the Vedanta fight - over Niyamgiri hill and the Vendanta Alumina Refinery in Lanjigarh. It is response to the incredibly dangerous trend of industrialisation in Orissa based on mineral and natural resource extraction - an

EPGOrissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06513100254121687474noreply@blogger.com1