Giridhari Patra from Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti in Kalahandi in Odisha is talking to us live from the meeting of Central Rural Development minister Jairam Ramesh. He tells us that mroe than 10,000 adivasis have come down from Niyamgiri hills to meet the minister. They are very happy today because they think that the minister has come to understand their point and will save the hills. They are also saying that the movement to save the hills will continue. For more Giridhari Ji can be reached at 09583022500

Giridhari Patra from Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti in Odisha is telling us about the fight of adivasis against Vedanta company who has set up an Aluminium plant in 2002 in the Lanjigarh area and are trying to take over the Niyamgiri hills for mining. Though the court and various Govt authorities have been refusing permission Vedanta is not leaving. He says adivasis will continue to fight till their last bredth and will not leave the hill. For more Mr Patra can be reached at 09583022500

My name is Giridhari Patra. I am calling from Sachetan Nagrik Manch in Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district of Odisha. Here administration has started breaking jhuggis and roadside shops in the name of beautification campaign. Many people are dependent on these shops for their livelihood. Govt did this kind of work some years ago and many had to leave for different states. I will request all to intervene to stop destroying many people’s lives. For more Patra Ji can be reached at 09583022500

Giridhari Patra from Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti in Kalahandi district of Odisha says recently they organised a health camp in Niyamgiri hills and the adivasis there complained about many diseases. They also complained that these diseases are happening more because of the pollution by nearby Vedanta aluminium plant. He says these adivasis get no health support from government and NGOs and requests them to do the same. He also requests us to join them in future such health and other camps. For more Patra ji can be reached at 09938505677

Giridhari Patra from Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti in Odisha says we had a meeting yesterday where villagers complained that they are facing huge health problems due to Vedanta factory nearby. People from one village said that 22 people have died of TB in the village in last few years and they blame the pollution from company for that. Company is also polluting their water and they are facing drinking water problem. Many are developing skin diseases and company has made no health facility for villagers. They said we want company to go away. For more Giridhari ji can be reached at 09583022500