Are anti-Vedanta Activists Loosing their Ground?

NGOs and groups, who are engaged in mobilizing the tribal community against Vedanta Aluminium for mining from Niyamgiri Hill, again got frustration on may 14, 2009. Their attempt to incite people, mainly Dongria Kondhs had not paid any result for the second time.
For last one month these NGO leaders were busy in organizing people against Vedanta. They had a plan to organize a rally and mass protest on May 11, 2009. However, about 50 people come in their support. The attendance of Dongria Kondh tribals was about 10. So the activists were forced to differ their proposed rally and mass protest to May 14, 2009. However, they were again disappointed by the tribal people, for the second time. Despite a rigorous effort by the NGOs, less number of people turned on the second date. So the proposed rally and mass protest ended in a meeting among few members of the NGOs in Jagannathpur village.
These NGO activists had also filed a PIL against mining from Niyamgiri in the Supreme Court. After thorough consideration, the Supreme Court approved for bauxite mining from Niyamgiri hill. However, these activists are defying the Supreme Court’s verdicts and mobilizing the tribal community with their propaganda.
On the other hand, the company has been successful in winning the confidence of tribal people through its humane approach and development interventions. The company has taken ups several development programs in the area - improving livelihood, education and health of the tribal community. The company also allayed fear among the tribals due to the misinformation by the NGOs. It explained about the positive impact of bauxite mining for the environment. “All these NGOs are outsiders. They try to use us in their own interest,” said one of the villagers in Kunakadu.
It seems that these NGOs are loosing their support base among the tribal community. The tribal community members also understand that sustained propaganda by NGOs to oppose mining of bauxite from Niyamgiri is delaying their own development. As per the verdict of the Supreme Court, 5% of the profit or Rs. 10 crore (which is higher) is to be invested for development of the local community.