the true story behind the scene…..
I am sure you must be wondering where I went. Well, I was in Niyamgiri - Lanjigarh meeting different people and learning various traditional art & craft. Quite aware of the scenario – things have been made to look a lot complicated. Everyone is living a life of uncertainty. But one thing is clear; people in Kalahandi including Dongria Kondhs are now looking for development and overall growth.
I’m now leaving Niyamgiri – Lanjigarh, carrying love and affection of this beautiful place and people. During my long stay here and association with Dongria Kondhs, I only wonder how much time more this place and the people have to wait for inclusive growth.
Except Vedanta, no one has bothered to look into the actual apathy of these 8,000 Dongria Kondhs living in the forests of Niyamgiri, Lanjigarh, falling in the district of Kalahandi in Orissa. Their health & medical check-ups, education to their children, livelihood opportunities, training of Dongria Kondhs youth, sanitation etc. issues, which were completely ignored, have been addressed only by Vedanta.
Things have been made to look a lot complicated. People of Orissa – Government – Industry, all living in uncertainty. The Government of India is now solving this jig-saw-puzzle, and I hope to see the solution to the benefit of all concerned.
But I need to tell you the true story of “Niyamgiri of Dongria Kondhs” before I leave this place. It is an example of how much media, politicians and bureaucrats have been mislead on Dongria Kondhs and also on the bauxite mining. It is a true story of how the vested interests mislead world about Niyamgiri and how Dongria Kondhs were made celebrity tribe and their peace was disturbed, just to halt the bauxite mining in India. This is where the talks of community engagement, displacement, legal permissions, forests acts, tribal acts, and pollution and human rights issues crept up.
Perhaps our Indian democracy, the world’s largest democracy, gives complete freedom of speech and expression, which has been misused and exploited for igniting and exploiting the sentiments of innocent and ignorant people. Most of the big companies are facing these problems in India, and we cannot ignore Posco, TATAs, and Reliance.
Bauxite mining issue became more prominent when Vedanta decided to set-up its world class 5 million tonne alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, right on the foothills of Niyamgiri and a World class aluminium smelter at Jharsuguda in Orissa with a capacity to produce 1.75 Million tonnes of aluminium.
Vedanta’s strength of investments and latest global technology was enough to understand that bauxite mining and aluminium scaling was becoming a reality after 25 years and Indian aluminium was preparing to rule the world.
To halt this move, a well thought out campaign was planned with clear cut mandate to some how stop the project - instigate the people and circulate false and fabricated information – primarily on softer issues like Tribals, Environment and Pollution and spread the fear in tribals. Further, hide the positive information, particularly in terms of what company was doing for the people of Lanjigarh.
The stories of tribal displacement of Dongria Kondh, were falsely circulated. Rather the truth was that mining project did not involve any displacement of Dongria Kondhs, as there is no habitation at the mining site. Contrary to what was said, this was never the voice of Dongria Kondhs.
As much was also circulated about their deity ‘Niyam Raja’ which has been strongly contested by Dongria Kondhs themselves.
The protest of Dongria Kondhs was also tailor made. Some of these innocent community members along with some activists were made to stand with some banner in their hand to show the protest, what protest, they till today do not understand. Every thing was being fabricated and built on breach of faith of these innocent people.
It is very important to know, what technology we have today. If the last refinery was built 25 years ago and that too does not create any pollution problem, it is more than certain that the plants built now, with utmost latest technology, will be much more cleaner and environment friendly. So where is the question of pollution when the technology has made plants ‘zero discharge’?
The irony is that such pollution is sensed, seen and believed by these vested interests sitting thousands of kilometers away from Orissa or India.
Rehabilitation colony built for the displaced people, (due to Alumina Refinery of Vedanta), was also condemned saying no one wanted to stay there. When journalists visited, they were amazed to see it fully occupied and children playing and ladies sitting out in lawns. Later one of the journalists remarked, how some one can propagate so much false information when we can see all facilities like water, electricity, community centre, play grounds, roads etc. in the Vedanta colony. The children are going to Vedanta school and they are very happy. All the eligible members of the displaced families have been given jobs by Vedanta.
If this not the meaning of inclusive growth, than what is it ?
These vested interests have gone to the extent of limiting Niyamgiri mountain range, which is actually a range spread across 250 sq. km, to a single mountain. The mining is to take place in just 4 km that also 30-35 metres from the top. Easily calculated, it is less than 1% of the Niyamgiri. Mining will be done in phases, and thus the opened blocks would be filled accordingly.
Irony is, these vested interests who have been talking about human rights and development of tribals, themselves have no agenda for development of these tribals. What they have been doing is only criticism and passing provoking statements - a thought for reputed reporters and journalists and people at large.
The company initiatives on community development work were never neither noticed nor acknowledged by these people. How can a company that has association with more than 2.5 million people of 550 villages and vast local support, has been blamed for human rights? What human rights?
I have seen Dongria Kondhs participating in the livelihood training programmes organized by Vedanta in majority. Their children are going to Vedanta child care centres, electricity has come in some villages, and there are regular medical and sanitation drives in villages where hundreds of villagers participate.
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former Hon’ble President of India, himself inaugurated the mid-day meal kitchen in Lanjigarh that provides mid-day meal to over 20,000 rural children.
I have seen the employees of this company working day and night when diarrhea broke down in these tribal villages. They were the only one who provided health services at the door steps of these villagers including Dongria Kondhs. None of these vested interests were available for any help; rather, even they were treated by Vedanta doctors.
Apathy is that these innocent people have been equated with characters like ‘Avtar’. Their popularity has been encashed for traveling by air, staying in 7 star hotels and building their names by writing columns in eminent magazines.
What ever has been done, the belief is that truth will finally prevail. Dongria Kondhs – Lanjigarh - Kalahandi will see the development and people will have better living conditions.
Who are these vested interests? I leave the question to you.
But I have only one request, staying away from my house for days together, I have tried to know the truth from close. Now I leave it to you to ensure that it is heard.
Post your comments and circulate to all you know.
Let, at least Indians know the truth.
Showing posts with label Kalahandi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kalahandi. Show all posts
An Aesthetic World of Dongria Kondhs
Its already 4 in the morning. Dongria Kondhs are early birds. I can see a lot of their community members gathering at center location of the village. Soon they will disperse for their daily work. The whole family works and eats together in the field. They generally travel to their orchards and collect fruits, which are either for sale or for their own consumption. The younger generation is more inclined to help their parents in the field or at home. Kumtadi, who was standing just behind me informed that Dongria Kondhs normally practice shifting cultivation. 'Agyan', Dongria grow a variety of crops which include fruits, vegetables, pulses and cereals. A Haru (piece of land) is cultivated for about four years and than left for another 4-5 years for it's regeneration. What a natural process.
I saw Majhi coming from a distance along with 4-5 members of his community. All of them were carrying a small basket on their head. When he came close I could see these baskets filled with fruits and vegetables. Majhi was looking very happy, as he was returning a favour by handing over these fruits and vegetable to one of the Dongria friend in the village. Majhi smiled and said, 'Agyan' you too have got up very early, like us. He showed me the quality of fruits which were very good. Kumtadi told me that not all fruits are used for consumption or barter, some of them are sold in market also, but they are very less. We normally exchange fruits in our own community only. Barter is quite famous in Dongria community, Majhi informed.
Kumtadi wanted me to meet some of the women of her community in another village. She asked me get ready fast, as they would be waiting for us. I got ready and moved with Kumtadi. On the way Kumtadi told me that Dongria Kondhs live in close harmony with nature, and that is the reason that they have developed natural arts within them. The colours , lifestyle, our dresses, ornaments, dance, music and in our crafts, you will find a theme directly resembling nature. The Dongria women are extremely good artist, and they make beautiful embroidered shawls called "Kapda Ganda". This embroidery is very neat and has sharp piece of needle work and is always filled with bright natural colours. The Dongria women also like playing traditional musical instruments called "Goani". Dongria women like singing, dancing and celebrating the occasions. Suddenly I could hear Kumtadi singing. It was like a singing of Humming Bird that hums during rains. Kumtadi was custodian of a soft voice, which had a heart of simplicity, honesty and rhythm of nature. She was smiling and continued singing till we reached the near by village. I tried matching her voice so many times, but failed to come up to her level. This was very rare, that I enjoyed loosing to a traditional woman.
I could see 7-8 women of Dongria Kondh community waiting with scores of Traditional Embroidery Work, Earrings, Bangles, Goani, Dhapu (a drum instrument) and colourful costumes. What an amazing collection and combinations. They are world class designers of their own traditional art.
I was amazed to see the minute work the women of Dongria Kondh were doing. They were working in groups like a Self Help Group and producing the best of their traditional art. The colour combinations of the minute work and finishing were enough to compare them with any professional hand. I could easily make out that given a chance their traditional art can surely become a strong alternate source of their income. When asked Kumtadi informed that like fruits, theses pieces of traditional art are used for barter only but a small number is also sold in the market.
Why confine this tremendous art only within the community, and why not it be admired and shared with millions of art appreciators. I was thinking of a mode through which their traditional art would get them better economic results. What they need is an organized way of marketing and promotion of the products. I decided to speak to Majhi about this issue. I was sure he would able to convince them.
I wanted to see the songs and dances of Dongria women in a group. Kumtadi smiled and said, 'Agyan' they will not dance in front of the elders. I noticed few elderly people were sitting and adjusting the drums and other traditional music instruments. Perhaps, they could hear me and they instantly left.
I could see my request of a group dance being accepted. Their voice echoed in the Niyamgiri Hills and the rhythm of their steps actually blossomed the land.
It was so divine to be with the community which is practically away from all controversies, but dragged into it by some very mean and selfish interests.
The journey continues....................
I saw Majhi coming from a distance along with 4-5 members of his community. All of them were carrying a small basket on their head. When he came close I could see these baskets filled with fruits and vegetables. Majhi was looking very happy, as he was returning a favour by handing over these fruits and vegetable to one of the Dongria friend in the village. Majhi smiled and said, 'Agyan' you too have got up very early, like us. He showed me the quality of fruits which were very good. Kumtadi told me that not all fruits are used for consumption or barter, some of them are sold in market also, but they are very less. We normally exchange fruits in our own community only. Barter is quite famous in Dongria community, Majhi informed.
Kumtadi wanted me to meet some of the women of her community in another village. She asked me get ready fast, as they would be waiting for us. I got ready and moved with Kumtadi. On the way Kumtadi told me that Dongria Kondhs live in close harmony with nature, and that is the reason that they have developed natural arts within them. The colours , lifestyle, our dresses, ornaments, dance, music and in our crafts, you will find a theme directly resembling nature. The Dongria women are extremely good artist, and they make beautiful embroidered shawls called "Kapda Ganda". This embroidery is very neat and has sharp piece of needle work and is always filled with bright natural colours. The Dongria women also like playing traditional musical instruments called "Goani". Dongria women like singing, dancing and celebrating the occasions. Suddenly I could hear Kumtadi singing. It was like a singing of Humming Bird that hums during rains. Kumtadi was custodian of a soft voice, which had a heart of simplicity, honesty and rhythm of nature. She was smiling and continued singing till we reached the near by village. I tried matching her voice so many times, but failed to come up to her level. This was very rare, that I enjoyed loosing to a traditional woman.
I could see 7-8 women of Dongria Kondh community waiting with scores of Traditional Embroidery Work, Earrings, Bangles, Goani, Dhapu (a drum instrument) and colourful costumes. What an amazing collection and combinations. They are world class designers of their own traditional art.
I was amazed to see the minute work the women of Dongria Kondh were doing. They were working in groups like a Self Help Group and producing the best of their traditional art. The colour combinations of the minute work and finishing were enough to compare them with any professional hand. I could easily make out that given a chance their traditional art can surely become a strong alternate source of their income. When asked Kumtadi informed that like fruits, theses pieces of traditional art are used for barter only but a small number is also sold in the market.
Why confine this tremendous art only within the community, and why not it be admired and shared with millions of art appreciators. I was thinking of a mode through which their traditional art would get them better economic results. What they need is an organized way of marketing and promotion of the products. I decided to speak to Majhi about this issue. I was sure he would able to convince them.
I wanted to see the songs and dances of Dongria women in a group. Kumtadi smiled and said, 'Agyan' they will not dance in front of the elders. I noticed few elderly people were sitting and adjusting the drums and other traditional music instruments. Perhaps, they could hear me and they instantly left.
I could see my request of a group dance being accepted. Their voice echoed in the Niyamgiri Hills and the rhythm of their steps actually blossomed the land.
It was so divine to be with the community which is practically away from all controversies, but dragged into it by some very mean and selfish interests.
The journey continues....................
"Saberi goes for learning, my son Kame goes for eating at Vedanta Phuldumere Child Care Centre, Lanjigarh", Majhi
It is an amazing feeling to travel in the forests of 'Niyamgiri 'of Kalahandi in Orissa. I believe, though it is difficult to except the change with pre-notions, but it is always a satisfaction if they are proved wrong. I'm continuing from where I left.
Majhi was waiting for me much before I reached the village tea stall and greeted me with his traditional tribal style. A simplicity wrapped in dignity. He had promised me to show the Vedanta factory. I had read on wires, referred by various reputed NGOs about its pollution and disposal of waste material in the streams.
After having a good cup of village tea I began my journey to take a complete round of the factory, of course with my guide, Majhi. The lush green forest is a divine to watch and feel. As I'm use to trekking I could match up with Majhi. In between he offered me some local fruits. I was a little reluctant to have because of hygiene issue. Majhi could sense my hesitation and smiled "have it please, we have learnt to wash fruits and vegetables before eating". I smiled but a little embarrassed . Passing through the lush green forest, Majhi showed me few small streams which must be tributaries of a large stream , "Agyan (this is how he was calling me) these small streams have sweet water and their sound is beautiful in the night, it is like a musical instrument". He smiled and informed that some people even talk about pollution in these small streams". My instant question was, are these small streams polluted? "No". Till now I have not seen any pollution happening in these streams. He lifted some water in his hand and drank. "See it is not polluted, you drink it". Going by his confidence I took some water from the stream in his style and drank. He was correct, the water was actually very good, drinkable. My next query was, "if so many NGOs and people talk about streams being polluted, there must be some truth about it, and what about 'Bansdhara'?. He was quite innocent in this reply, "If I cannot see any pollution, you cannot see any pollution, my people cannot see any pollution, than how come only these NGOs see pollution." . We will reach the 'Bansdhara' shortly and you can taste the water there as well.
Majhi thought of educating me on pollution, he said "Agyan, the pollution in stream need a passage which is not there. The factory and the stream needs to be connected somehow, which is not there, so how will there be pollution". I remembered Majhi telling me the human waste being projected as factory pollution. Majhi said "people talk about Dongria tribe being effected by factory pollution. Do they know only about 15% Dongria tribe live in Kalahandi and rest live in Rayagada. Do they know it is difficult to interact with Kondhs as very few know our "Kui" language. I'm one of the very few who can talk and understand little English. I have seen Dongria talking something else and it is written something else". There are three tribes here, Dongria, Kuttia and Jharnia . All are peace loving.
Crossing through the woods we reached 'Bansdhara', the stream referred by many NGOs being polluted by Vedanta factory. I was searching for some pollution in the stream which has been repeatedly seen and mentioned by NGOs in their various reports available on the net, actually I wanted to prove them factually right. I was wondering, how true Majhi was, "if there is a pollution and it is being seen by NGOs and some people, then I should also see it. I don't understand how can they see which Majhi and me cannot see".
I asked him about how educated he was? to which he replied, not much it's only that so many people from outside have come in last few years, and most of them spoke English, I learnt a little bit of this language. I asked about education to his children. His eyes twinkled, as he mentioned his daughter's name 'Saberi' who is 3 years old and his son 'Kame' who is 4 years old and are going in 'Phuldumer' Child Care Center of Vedanta. Child care Center of Vedanta?, in these hilly villages?. "Yes, they have a number of Child Care Centers and many children from Phuldumer and Khemdipadar go in these centres. Vedanta people teach our children with toys and the children also get good food. My daughter is very happy and I drop her every day. My son goes only for the food, he smiled. Saberi has learnt so many words that I have learnt in this age. Vedanta is also opening up a Child Care Center at 'Palberi'. Dongria and other kondhas children are very excited going in Child Care Centers. Something our children had never seen.
By this time we had crossed the 'Bansdhara', which was less than a kilometer away from the Vedanta factory. I actually forgot I had come to see pollution, factually I couldn't find any. Taking a complete round of the factory and not finding any sort of pollution was quite satisfying. I couldn't relate to what I have been reading in NGOs reports.
It is most difficult to undo the mind which has already been fed with much of negative information. Perhaps, the solution lies in actually seeing and believing your own eyes. Something I have always been advocating.
The Journey Continues......................
Majhi was waiting for me much before I reached the village tea stall and greeted me with his traditional tribal style. A simplicity wrapped in dignity. He had promised me to show the Vedanta factory. I had read on wires, referred by various reputed NGOs about its pollution and disposal of waste material in the streams.
After having a good cup of village tea I began my journey to take a complete round of the factory, of course with my guide, Majhi. The lush green forest is a divine to watch and feel. As I'm use to trekking I could match up with Majhi. In between he offered me some local fruits. I was a little reluctant to have because of hygiene issue. Majhi could sense my hesitation and smiled "have it please, we have learnt to wash fruits and vegetables before eating". I smiled but a little embarrassed . Passing through the lush green forest, Majhi showed me few small streams which must be tributaries of a large stream , "Agyan (this is how he was calling me) these small streams have sweet water and their sound is beautiful in the night, it is like a musical instrument". He smiled and informed that some people even talk about pollution in these small streams". My instant question was, are these small streams polluted? "No". Till now I have not seen any pollution happening in these streams. He lifted some water in his hand and drank. "See it is not polluted, you drink it". Going by his confidence I took some water from the stream in his style and drank. He was correct, the water was actually very good, drinkable. My next query was, "if so many NGOs and people talk about streams being polluted, there must be some truth about it, and what about 'Bansdhara'?. He was quite innocent in this reply, "If I cannot see any pollution, you cannot see any pollution, my people cannot see any pollution, than how come only these NGOs see pollution." . We will reach the 'Bansdhara' shortly and you can taste the water there as well.
Majhi thought of educating me on pollution, he said "Agyan, the pollution in stream need a passage which is not there. The factory and the stream needs to be connected somehow, which is not there, so how will there be pollution". I remembered Majhi telling me the human waste being projected as factory pollution. Majhi said "people talk about Dongria tribe being effected by factory pollution. Do they know only about 15% Dongria tribe live in Kalahandi and rest live in Rayagada. Do they know it is difficult to interact with Kondhs as very few know our "Kui" language. I'm one of the very few who can talk and understand little English. I have seen Dongria talking something else and it is written something else". There are three tribes here, Dongria, Kuttia and Jharnia . All are peace loving.
Crossing through the woods we reached 'Bansdhara', the stream referred by many NGOs being polluted by Vedanta factory. I was searching for some pollution in the stream which has been repeatedly seen and mentioned by NGOs in their various reports available on the net, actually I wanted to prove them factually right. I was wondering, how true Majhi was, "if there is a pollution and it is being seen by NGOs and some people, then I should also see it. I don't understand how can they see which Majhi and me cannot see".
I asked him about how educated he was? to which he replied, not much it's only that so many people from outside have come in last few years, and most of them spoke English, I learnt a little bit of this language. I asked about education to his children. His eyes twinkled, as he mentioned his daughter's name 'Saberi' who is 3 years old and his son 'Kame' who is 4 years old and are going in 'Phuldumer' Child Care Center of Vedanta. Child care Center of Vedanta?, in these hilly villages?. "Yes, they have a number of Child Care Centers and many children from Phuldumer and Khemdipadar go in these centres. Vedanta people teach our children with toys and the children also get good food. My daughter is very happy and I drop her every day. My son goes only for the food, he smiled. Saberi has learnt so many words that I have learnt in this age. Vedanta is also opening up a Child Care Center at 'Palberi'. Dongria and other kondhas children are very excited going in Child Care Centers. Something our children had never seen.
By this time we had crossed the 'Bansdhara', which was less than a kilometer away from the Vedanta factory. I actually forgot I had come to see pollution, factually I couldn't find any. Taking a complete round of the factory and not finding any sort of pollution was quite satisfying. I couldn't relate to what I have been reading in NGOs reports.
It is most difficult to undo the mind which has already been fed with much of negative information. Perhaps, the solution lies in actually seeing and believing your own eyes. Something I have always been advocating.
The Journey Continues......................
"Timely medicine, saved my son", Majhi
Conflicting statements have always puzzled people generate the curiosity to find the truth. Of late, I have been reading a lot about human right’s issues, pollution, concern for environment, NGO’s allegating industries globally and the melting of glaciers. Being in India and deeply concerned about Indian issues, I decided to take a call on Vedanta's Lanjigarh, Niyamgiri issue. Traveling via Raipur and road to Lanjigarh was an experience. As I reached Lanjigarh finding Vedanta Industry was never difficult. I could coordinate with a local who took me on route to the Vedanta Lanjigarh Factory.
My local Guide name was "Majhi". My conversation started with a series of queries as when this factory Started? What is the issue? Why so much controversy? and Why only NGOs that also International NGOs taking so much interest in Indian Industries? TATA's in Singur, Reliance in Uttar Pradesh and POSCO in Orissa are other names that always puzzled me. The way Tata's , Vedanta , Reliance, Aditya Birla, Godrej, Mahindra's and Mittal's , have shaped India into a Global force, no doubt the world is taking a strong presence of India in international scenario.
Majhi told me that there are basically two issues one, people who need development of Lanjigarh and the second, who desperately wish to stop every positive thing happening in Lanjigarh. Majhi said, "I have seen the poverty in Lanjigarh. My son had no food for two days and was suffering from high fever, Malaria. No doctor, no medicine, I almost lost my son. when in night my friend 'Tudu' came with a Health Jeep with a doctor and medicine, my son was saved. Later, I came to know that this Jeep was Mobile Health Van of Vedanta”. I was surprised by his statement. Here a poor villager was talking about medical facility at door-step by Vedanta. I wanted to know more about the Infrastructure development in terms of Roads, Bridges, Community Centers etc. He asked me to stop the car and showed me the bridge we were crossing and said, "this Bridge you are crossing has been made by Vedanta. Everybody uses and still they talk against the company. They cannot go to the market without crossing this Bridge”.
We realized that we reached the Factory. A neat, clean and tidy place, here I was standing in front of one of the most talked about factories in the World. I asked Majhi to take me for a round as I wanted to see the forest, the river, and of course the much talked about pollution. We walked and Majhi made me sit in a small shop for a village tea. Other villagers were also sitting there, they all knew about Vedanta. With a little conversation I could find that they were employed youth, perhaps came for a little break. One of them 'Janak' told me that he was employed by Vedanta and he has a regular job. Proudly he said”I have build this Factory”.
Majhi told me all these 7 people work in Vedanta factory. I wanted to see the forest and also the stream, that Vedanta factory was polluting. Majhi replied “what pollution?? People misunderstand hot streams as gas leakage. Human waste in river is told as factory pollution. People in Lanjigarh want to come out of poverty. We have been living in poverty with no food, no drinking water and no schools for our children. When something is changing people from outside Lanjigarh come and create a problem”.
There must be something, why everyone is talking about. I decided to take entire round of the Vedanta factory it was getting late and we decided to meet at the same tea stall tomorrow.
The Journey Continues.........
My local Guide name was "Majhi". My conversation started with a series of queries as when this factory Started? What is the issue? Why so much controversy? and Why only NGOs that also International NGOs taking so much interest in Indian Industries? TATA's in Singur, Reliance in Uttar Pradesh and POSCO in Orissa are other names that always puzzled me. The way Tata's , Vedanta , Reliance, Aditya Birla, Godrej, Mahindra's and Mittal's , have shaped India into a Global force, no doubt the world is taking a strong presence of India in international scenario.
Majhi told me that there are basically two issues one, people who need development of Lanjigarh and the second, who desperately wish to stop every positive thing happening in Lanjigarh. Majhi said, "I have seen the poverty in Lanjigarh. My son had no food for two days and was suffering from high fever, Malaria. No doctor, no medicine, I almost lost my son. when in night my friend 'Tudu' came with a Health Jeep with a doctor and medicine, my son was saved. Later, I came to know that this Jeep was Mobile Health Van of Vedanta”. I was surprised by his statement. Here a poor villager was talking about medical facility at door-step by Vedanta. I wanted to know more about the Infrastructure development in terms of Roads, Bridges, Community Centers etc. He asked me to stop the car and showed me the bridge we were crossing and said, "this Bridge you are crossing has been made by Vedanta. Everybody uses and still they talk against the company. They cannot go to the market without crossing this Bridge”.
We realized that we reached the Factory. A neat, clean and tidy place, here I was standing in front of one of the most talked about factories in the World. I asked Majhi to take me for a round as I wanted to see the forest, the river, and of course the much talked about pollution. We walked and Majhi made me sit in a small shop for a village tea. Other villagers were also sitting there, they all knew about Vedanta. With a little conversation I could find that they were employed youth, perhaps came for a little break. One of them 'Janak' told me that he was employed by Vedanta and he has a regular job. Proudly he said”I have build this Factory”.
Majhi told me all these 7 people work in Vedanta factory. I wanted to see the forest and also the stream, that Vedanta factory was polluting. Majhi replied “what pollution?? People misunderstand hot streams as gas leakage. Human waste in river is told as factory pollution. People in Lanjigarh want to come out of poverty. We have been living in poverty with no food, no drinking water and no schools for our children. When something is changing people from outside Lanjigarh come and create a problem”.
There must be something, why everyone is talking about. I decided to take entire round of the Vedanta factory it was getting late and we decided to meet at the same tea stall tomorrow.
The Journey Continues.........
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