Save Niyamgiri, Save the Dongria

Dear Sir,

I am deeply concerned for the ecological stability and the Dongria Kondh people of Niyamgiri in Orissa, India, whose land and future are threatened by the plans of Vedanta Resources and the Orissa government to mine their sacred mountain for bauxite. The Dongria have lived on this mountains for generations and now their land is being snatched away from them. It is an encroachment on human rights and it would be destroying a biodiversity hotspot.

Mining at Niyamgiri would spell disaster to not only the lives of thousands of tribals who live in harmony with nature, but also the ecological balance and will result in massive biodiversity loss. Being committed to global environmental leadership, it would be a shame if we let this happen.

Pollution is already threatening lives at Lanjigarh and nearby places. No good can come from any developmental initiatives at the cost of the environment. I urge you to protect the rights of the vulnerable tribe, and protect this biodiversity hotspot from being destroyed. We haven't got many left in the world today. Please stop Vedanta from mining at Niyamgiri.