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168 images Created 22 Oct 2009

Farmers and Industry Battle over Land

In the era of liberalization and privatization, a sizeable number of mineral processing industries are coming to invest in the mineral rich state of Orissa. As a result, there is a large involuntary population displacement of the marginalized sections including tribals. There is a resistance leading to agitation by 'already' and 'potential' displaced persons resulting in state's brutal suppression, as in the case of TATA at Kalinganagar, Vedanta at Lanjigarh and POSCO at Jagatsinghpur.

India's farmers, mostly poor, malnourished and illiterate, have suddenly found themselves in possession of the country's scarcest resource. In Orissa, 14 different industrial projects, valued at well over $35 billion, have hiccupped and then completely stalled because people have refused to give up their land. Four of the biggest projects - including the POSCO plant - could displace as many as 50,000 people, the United Nation Development Programme estimated in 2008. And all across India, some 190 different projects - including more than 70 government sponsored infrastructure projects like roads and railway lines - have been frozen, as landowners have balked at the prices the government and industry offers, protested over the speed with which the government has sent surveyors and police to acquire land and rejected the grubby houses, cheap land and uncertain jobs that companies have offered as compensation for their displacement.


With my current project, am trying to document people's relationship with their land and their emotional attachment to it. Their struggle is an example of such struggles all across India and I feel my work is an important means to carry the message of their courage, determination and dignity. This body of work highlights the injustices inflicted on deprived communities who confront many deeply entrenched, industry sanctioned and politically supported structures.
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  • Many villagers take on the responsibility to guard the gate leading to their village Dingkhia in Orissa, India. These villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0001.JPG
  • Raghunath Das (centre) and many other villagers take on the responsibility to guard the gate leading to their village Dhinkia in Orissa, India. Temporary fences have been erected by them around the boundary of the village to prevent the entry of survey team into their area. South Korean steel giant POSCO continues to face stiff public resistance in Orissa's Jagatsinghpur district where the company is setting up India's biggest direct foreign investment project of 12 million tonne steel plant. These villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0002.JPG
  • Raghunath Das (left) and many other villagers take on the responsibility to guard the gate leading to their village Dingkhia in Orissa, India. These villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0003.JPG
  • Many villagers take on the responsibility to guard the gate leading to their village Dingkhia in Orissa, India. These villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0004.JPG
  • Villagers meet after dusk to take account of the day and discuss their strategy on how to tackle the problem of land acquisition by Posco. many villagers take on the responsibility to guard the gate leading to their village Dingkhia in Orissa, India. These villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0005.JPG
  • Posing with her son, Savita Mandal, the widow of 34 year old Dula Mandal shows the photo of her deceased husband. Dula Mandal died on the spot in his village (Gobindpur) on June 20th 2008 when the pro-Posco agitators threw a bomb at their group. Clashes between supporters and opponents of the POSCO project injured 50 people, and angry farmers have erected a bamboo gate at the entrance to the village of Dhinkia to keep outsiders away.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0006.JPG
  • Posing with her son and daughter, Savita Mandal, the widow of 34 year old Dula Mandal shows the photo of her deceased husband. Dula Mandal died on the spot in his village (Gobindpur) on June 20th 2008 when the pro-Posco agitators threw a bomb at their group. Clashes between supporters and opponents of the POSCO project injured 50 people, and angry farmers have erected a bamboo gate at the entrance to the village of Dhinkia to keep outsiders away.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0007.JPG
  • Savita Mandal, the widow of 34 year old Dula Mandal shows the photo of her deceased husband. Dula Mandal died on the spot in his village, Govindpur on June 20th 2008 when the pro-posco agitators threw a bomb at their group. The local villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0008.JPG
  • Villagers are seen at the local temple which also acts as a campaign office in village Dhinkia in Orissa, India. The local population of small villagers along the proposed Posco site have started a campaign and do not want to give away their land for the proposed Posco factory.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0009.JPG
  • An anti Posco sign is seen on a house wall in village Dhinkia in Orissa, India. The local population of small villagers along the proposed Posco site have started a campaign and do not want to give away their land for the proposed Posco factory.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0010.JPG
  • An anti Posco sign is seen on a house wall in village Dhinkia in Orissa, India. The local population of small villagers along the proposed Posco site have started a campaign and do not want to give away their land for the proposed Posco factory.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0011.JPG
  • Villagers are seen discussing their rights to their land while other family members look on in village Dhinkia in Orissa, India. A family of 9 is supported with 9 acres of land that generates an annual income of 1000USD. The local population of small villagers along the proposed Posco site have started a campaign and do not want to give away their land for the proposed Posco factory.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0012.JPG
  • 41 year old, Subhash Mahapatra (3rd from right) is seen advocating their rights to their land while other family members look on in village Dhinkia in Orissa, India. A family of 9 is supported with 9 acres of land that generates an annual income of 1000USD. The local population of small villagers along the proposed Posco site have started a campaign and do not want to give away their land for the proposed Posco factory.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0013.JPG
  • A villager is seen with his son in village Dhinkhia, in Orissa, India. The local population of small villagers along the proposed Posco site have started a campaign and do not want to give away their land for the proposed Posco factory.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0014.JPG
  • A villager uses a mobile phone to take a photo of his family in village Dhinkhia, in Orissa, India. Proposed steel project would displace all families of this village so they are determined not to leave their soil. If the plant is constructed, the villagers from Dhinkia will be the first ones to be displaced.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0015.JPG
  • The Dash family waits in the background, as 23 year old Stithipragya Dash cooks the meal for the family in village Dhinkhia, in Orissa, India. Proposed steel project would displace all families of this village so they are determined not to leave their soil. If the plant is constructed, the villagers from Dhinkia will be the first ones to be displaced.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0016.JPG
  • An elder is seen attending a meeting at the village Dhinkhia, in Orissa, India. Proposed steel project would displace all families of this village so they are determined not to leave their soil. If the plant is constructed, the villagers from Dhinkia will be the first ones to be displaced.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0017.JPG
  • Dhaneshwar Dash poses for a portrait in his hut in village Dhinkhia, in Orissa, India. Proposed steel project would displace all families of this village so they are determined not to leave their soil. If the plant is constructed, the villagers from Dhinkia will be the first ones to be displaced.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0018.JPG
  • Villagers pose for a portrait outside the local temple, that also works as the office of the agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" in   village Dingkhia in Orissa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0019.JPG
  • Bansidhar Bhola poses outside his hut in Dinghia village in Orissa, India. His hut is the closest to the entry gate of the village. Temporary fences have been erected by them around the boundary of the village to prevent the entry of survey team into their area. South Korean steel giant POSCO continues to face stiff public resistance in Orissa's Jagatsinghpur district where the company is setting up India's biggest direct foreign investment project of 12 million tonne steel plant. These villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0020.JPG
  • Bansidhar Bhola is a fisherman and here he poses inside his hut with his grandson, Hemanta in Dinghia village in Orissa, India. Bhola's hut is the closest to the entry gate of the village. The roads leading to the village are under surveillance and these villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0021.JPG
  • A villager poses outside his hut in Dinghia village in Orissa, India. His hut is the closest to the entry gate of the village. Temporary fences have been erected by them around the boundary of the village to prevent the entry of survey team into their area. South Korean steel giant POSCO continues to face stiff public resistance in Orissa's Jagatsinghpur district where the company is setting up India's biggest direct foreign investment project of 12 million tonne steel plant. These villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0022.JPG
  • A little boy is seen in Dinghia village in Orissa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0023.JPG
  • A cyclist rides past a villager as he poses in Dinghia village in Orissa, India. Temporary fences have been erected by them around the boundary of the village to prevent the entry of survey team into their area. South Korean steel giant POSCO continues to face stiff public resistance in Orissa's Jagatsinghpur district where the company is setting up India's biggest direct foreign investment project of 12 million tonne steel plant. These villagers have formed an agitating group, "Posco Pratirdh Sangram Samiti" to oppose the construction of Posco port in their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0024.JPG
  • A villager is seen reading the newspaper outside his house in Dinghia village in Orissa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0025.JPG
  • Orissa is going through a "steel revolution". In the past few years, the state government has signed more than 40 MoUs with companies, both domestic and foreign, signing off 20 billion tonnes of iron ore. But it has also meant destruction of the natural habitats of people, flora and fauna. The deal with POSCO has been met with protests by the local people, but the government continues to turn a blind eye to the concerns and dangles the carrot of employment generation. In retaliation, the villagers have erected the fences for the protection of 1,235 acres of land to be acquired by Posco company. Proposed steel project would displace all families of this village so they are determined not to leave their soil. If the plant is constructed, the villagers from Dhinkia will be the first ones to be displaced.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0026.JPG
  • 43 year old Suresh Kumar Dash is seen with his grandchildren in his hut in village Dhinkhia, in Orissa, India. Proposed steel project would displace all families of this village so they are determined not to leave their soil. If the plant is constructed, the villagers from Dhinkia will be the first ones to be displaced.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0027.JPG
  • 43 year old Suresh Kumar Dash speaks to his grandchild while he combs his hair before heading to school in village Dhinkhia, in Orissa, India. Proposed steel project would displace all families of this village so they are determined not to leave their soil. If the plant is constructed, the villagers from Dhinkia will be the first ones to be displaced.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0028.JPG
  • Proposed steel project would displace all families of this village so they are determined not to leave their soil. If the plant is constructed, the villagers from Dhinkia will be the first ones to be displaced.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0029.JPG
  • 43 year old Suresh Kumar Dash is seen fishing in sea near his village Dhinkhia, in Orissa, India. Proposed steel project would displace all families of this village so they are determined not to leave their soil. If the plant is constructed, the villagers from Dhinkia will be the first ones to be displaced.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0030.JPG
  • Anti POSCO leader and the president of Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti, Mr. Abhaya Sahoo poses for a portrait with local villagers in Nuagaon in Orissa, India. PPSS leader Mr Abhaya Shaoo who had been spearheading Posco movement in Dhinkia panchyat since three years and took key role to paralyze the installation of Posco steel project was arrested by Paradip police on 2 th October in 2008. Sahoo had been languishing in jail since ten months has finally released on conditional bail in Orissa High Court.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0031.JPG
  • Anti POSCO leader and the president of Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti, Mr. Abhaya Sahoo poses for a portrait in Nuagaon in Orissa, India. PPSS leader Mr Abhaya Shaoo who had been spearheading Posco movement in Dhinkia panchyat since three years and took key role to paralyze the installation of Posco steel project was arrested by Paradip police on 2 th October in 2008. Sahoo had been languishing in jail since ten months has finally released on conditional bail in Orissa High Court.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0032.JPG
  • Residents of the Posco India transit camp in Badagabapur, in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa. Posco Transit Camp is being set up for people who have been driven out of their villages for being pro-Posco, where they live on the side of a highway on $80 a day shared between 195 people.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0033.JPG
  • A child is seen outside the Posco India transit camp in Badagabapur, in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa. Posco Transit Camp is being set up for people who have been driven out of their villages for being pro-Posco, where they live on the side of a highway on $80 a day shared between 195 people.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0034.JPG
  • An old woman is seen taking a careful step as she walks over mud at the transit camp in Badagabapur, in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa. Posco Transit Camp is being set up for people who have been driven out of their villages for being pro-Posco, where they live on the side of a highway on $80 a day shared between 195 people.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0035.JPG
  • A child is seen playing inside the Posco India transit camp in Badagabapur, in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa. Posco Transit Camp is being set up for people who have been driven out of their villages for being pro-Posco, where they live on the side of a highway on $80 a day shared between 195 people.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0036.JPG
  • An old women consoles another woman while she mourns the death of a family member at the transit camp in Badagabapur, in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa. Posco Transit Camp is being set up for people who have been driven out of their villages for being pro-Posco, where they live on the side of a highway on $80 a day shared between 195 people.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0037.JPG
  • Women are seen doing their daily chores at the transit camp in Badagabapur, in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa. Posco Transit Camp is being set up for people who have been driven out of their villages for being pro-Posco, where they live on the side of a highway on $80 a day shared between 195 people.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0038.JPG
  • Women gather at the transit camp in Badagabapur, in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa. Posco Transit Camp is being set up for people who have been driven out of their villages for being pro-Posco, where they live on the side of a highway on $80 a day shared between 195 people.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0039.JPG
  • Women gather at the transit camp in Badagabapur, in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa. Posco Transit Camp is being set up for people who have been driven out of their villages for being pro-Posco, where they live on the side of a highway on $80 a day shared between 195 people.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0040.JPG
  • A young boy walks past a narrow alley at the transit camp in Badagabapur, in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa. Posco Transit Camp is being set up for people who have been driven out of their villages for being pro-Posco, where they live on the side of a highway on $80 a day shared between 195 people.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0041.JPG
  • Local villagers gather to meet anti POSCO leader and the president of Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti, Mr. Abhaya Sahoo in Nuagaon in Orissa, India. PPSS leader Mr Abhaya Shaoo who had been spearheading Posco movement in Dhinkia panchyat since three years and took key role to paralyze the installation of Posco steel project was arrested by Paradip police on 2 th October in 2008. Sahoo had been languishing in jail since ten months has finally released on conditional bail in Orissa High Court.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0042.JPG
  • A steel plant is seen in the distance in Kalinga Nagar industrial area in Orissa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0043.JPG
  • Subulu Munduya (50) poses for a portrait with traditional arms inside his hut in Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar industrial area in Orissa, India. Subulu's bother, Ranglal Mundaya died during a police shootout on the agitators on January 2nd 2006.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0044.JPG
  • Subulu Munduya (50) poses for a portrait with traditional arms inside his hut in Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar industrial area in Orissa, India. Subulu's bother, Ranglal Mundaya died during a police shootout on the agitators on January 2nd 2006.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0045.JPG
  • A traditional bow and arrow is laid out for a photo in Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar industrial area in Orissa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0046.JPG
  • Armed with bows and arrow, a local villager from the Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar area is seen keeping a tight vigil at the entrance of their village to guard it against company officials or police coming in to their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0047.JPG
  • Armed with bows and arrow, a local villager from the Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar area is seen keeping a tight vigil at the entrance of their village to guard it against company officials or police coming in to their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0048.JPG
  • On 2 January 2006, the police in Kalinganagar, Orissa opened fire against a group of tribals protesting against Tata's constructing a steel plant on their lands and not paying them adequate compensation. This tragedy killing 12 persons on the spot shocked the whole nation and that incident has all but paralysed the state government over the land issue. .A 'NO ENTRY' sign has been put up at the entrance of the TATA proposed land. Armed with bows and arrows, the villagers from the Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar area keep a tight vigil at the entrance of their village to guard it against company officials or police coming in to their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0049.JPG
  • On 2 January 2006, the police in Kalinganagar, Orissa opened fire against a group of tribals protesting against Tata's constructing a steel plant on their lands and not paying them adequate compensation. This tragedy killing 12 persons on the spot shocked the whole nation and that incident has all but paralysed the state government over the land issue. .A 'NO ENTRY' sign has been put up at the entrance of the TATA proposed land. Armed with bows and arrows, the villagers from the Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar area keep a tight vigil at the entrance of their village to guard it against company officials or police coming in to their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0050.JPG
  • On 2 January 2006, the police in Kalinganagar, Orissa opened fire against a group of tribals protesting against Tata's constructing a steel plant on their lands and not paying them adequate compensation. This tragedy killing 12 persons on the spot shocked the whole nation and that incident has all but paralysed the state government over the land issue. .A 'NO ENTRY' sign has been put up at the entrance of the TATA proposed land. Armed with bows and arrows, the villagers from the Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar area keep a tight vigil at the entrance of their village to guard it against company officials or police coming in to their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0051.JPG
  • Armed with bows and arrow, a local villager from the Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar area is seen keeping a tight vigil at the entrance of their village to guard it against company officials or police coming in to their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0052.JPG
  • Armed with bows and arrow, a local villager from the Balighato village of Kalinga Nagar area is seen keeping a tight vigil at the entrance of their village to guard it against company officials or police coming in to their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0053.JPG
  • The cemetery of Shyama Gangarai is seen at Balighato village in Kalinganagar, Orissa, India. Shyama Gangarai was injured during a police shootout on the agitators on January 2nd 2006 and later died in hospital on March 11th 2006.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0054.JPG
  • 28 year old Raju Haibro is seen outside his hut in Balighato village of Kalinganagar, Orissa, India. Raju was shot on his left shoulder during a police shootout on the agitators on January 2nd 2006 and later spent 2 weeks in hospital. .Despite vehement protests from political and social activists over acquisition of land, the Tatas are confident of going ahead with the setting up of the 6 million tonne steel plant at Kalinganagar.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0055.JPG
  • 28 year old Raju Haibro is seen outside his hut in Balighato village of Kalinganagar, Orissa, India. Raju was shot on his left shoulder during a police shootout on the agitators on January 2nd 2006 and later spent 2 weeks in hospital. The scar of the wound still remains..Despite vehement protests from political and social activists over acquisition of land, the Tatas are confident of going ahead with the setting up of the 6 million tonne steel plant at Kalinganagar.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0056.JPG
  • 28 year old Raju Haibro poses with his wife, Jima Haibro and two of his children for a photograph in his hut in Balighato village. He was shot on his left shoulder during a police shootout on January 6th 2006.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0057.JPG
  • Jema Banara shows the photo of her father, Ameen Banara in their house in Balighato village in Kalinga Nagar area in Orissa. Ameen was shot during a peaceful protest on May Day (May 1st 2008)  by TATA goons outside the ROHIT factory in Kalinganagar Industrial area.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0058.JPG
  • Jema Banara shows the photo of her father, Ameen Banara in their house in Balighato village in Kalinga Nagar area in Orissa. Ameen was shot during a peaceful protest on May Day (May 1st 2008)  by TATA goons outside the ROHIT factory in Kalinganagar Industrial area.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0059.JPG
  • Children are seen outside the abandoned migration apartments at the Sansilo rehabilitation colony, set up by the TATA Steel company for the displaced families in Kalinganagar, Orissa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0060.JPG
  • The abandoned migration apartments at the Sansilo rehabilitation colony, set up by the TATA Steel company for the displaced families in Kalinganagar, Orissa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0061.JPG
  • A woman is seen inside her poultry farm at the Sansilo rehabilitation colony, set up by the TATA Steel company for the displaced families in Kalinganagar, Orissa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0062.JPG
  • 50 year old Bhanmati Mohanto is seen with her grand children outside her house at the Sansilo rehabilitation colony, set up by the TATA Steel company for the displaced families in Kalinganagar, Orissa, India. She sold 5 acres of her land to Tata for the proposed steel plant.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0063.JPG
  • 40 year old Laxmi Mohanto is seen outside her newly built house at the Sansilo rehabilitation colony, set up by the TATA Steel company for the displaced families in Kalinganagar, Orissa, India. She sold 6 acres of her land for the proposed TATA steel plant and built the house with the money she got from Tatas.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0064.JPG
  • Women walk past a field against the background of Vedanta plant in Ijirupa village in Lanjigarh, Orissa, India. The huge bauxite deposits in Niyamgiri have led the Vedanta group to set up an alumina refinery at Lanjigarh, making the tribals apprehensive about their habitat. The UK based Vedanta Resources  has come under immense pressure from human rights and environmental groups to abandon its plans to mine at the Niyamgiri mountains in Orissa for bauxite (to extract aluminium). The dig site is considered a sacred ground by the local Dongria Kondh community and has attracted support from conservationists from across the world.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0065.JPG
  • residents  of the Ijurupa village run past with an overview of the Vedanta Aluminum Refinery in Lanjigarh in the background in Orrisa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0066.JPG
  • Vedanta Alumina Ltd. is seen in the background in Lanjigarh village, surrounded by the Niyamgiri hills in Orissa, India.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0067.JPG
  • The Vedanta ALumina plant is seen in the distance in Ijirupa village in Lanjigarh, Orissa, India. The huge bauxite deposits in Niyamgiri have led the Vedanta group to set up an alumina refinery at Lanjigarh, making the tribals apprehensive about their habitat. The UK based Vedanta Resources  has come under immense pressure from human rights and environmental groups to abandon its plans to mine at the Niyamgiri mountains in Orissa for bauxite (to extract aluminium). The dig site is considered a sacred ground by the local Dongria Kondh community and has attracted support from conservationists from across the world.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0068.JPG
  • A prohibited area signboard is seen inside the Vedanta Alumina Company property in Lanjigarh, Orissa. Also seen at the distance are the Niyamgiri hills. Protesters claim that "allowing mining would be a sacrilege". It will be virtually impossible to mitigate the impacts of mining on the ecology and wildlife in the area and that the tribals worship the forests and have staunchly protected them.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0069.JPG
  • Trucks carrying bauxite and other materials are seen parked on the road leading to the Vedanta Alumina Company in Lanjigarh, Orissa. Seen at the distance are the Niyamgiri hills.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0070.JPG
  • Trucks carrying bauxite and other materials are seen parked on the road leading to the Vedanta Alumina Company in Lanjigarh, Orissa. Seen at the distance are the Niyamgiri hills.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0071.JPG
  • Trucks carrying bauxite and other materials are seen parked on the road leading to the Vedanta Alumina Company in Lanjigarh, Orissa. Seen at the distance are the Niyamgiri hills.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0072.JPG
  • The gate leading to the Ash pond of Vedanta Alumina Company is seen in Lanjigarh, Orissa. Seen at the distance are the Niyamgiri hills.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0073.JPG
  • Construction workers are seen working n the conveyor belt inside the Vedanta Alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Orissa.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0074.JPG
  • The trucks belonging to Vedanta Alumina Company are seen parked outside the refinery in Lanjigarh, Orissa.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0075.JPG
  • Half constructed trolley way leading to the proposed area for mining in the Niyamgiri hill is seen in Lanjigarh, Orissa. Also seen at the distance are the Niyamgiri hills.  Since the photograph was taken, the conveyor trolley belt is almost ready, Vedanta sources say the company is ready with the mining plan. Bauxite ores will be extracted from the hilltop and will be brought to the plant site through a conveyor belt.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0076.JPG
  • One of the villagers (name withheld) poses for a photograph on his land that was forcibly taken by him for the construction of a trolley way. Now since the conveyor trolley belt is constructed, Vedanta sources say the company is ready with the mining plan. Bauxite ores will be extracted from the hilltop and will be brought to the plant site through a conveyor belt.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0077.JPG
  • One of the displaced villager is seen outside the house provided by the Vedanta Alumina refinery as part of the rehabilitation plan. Residents complain that they have been compensated very little for the piece of land. Jobs were promised in the processing plant, but no jobs have been given as yet. The rehabilitation colony is spread across 136 acres of land. The rehabilitated families also complain that the houses are too small, and bear no resemblance to the ones they are used to from their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0078.JPG
  • Kumri Majhi's family is one of the many families who have been displaced and have been relocated in small houses in the Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar around the Vedanta Alumina processing plant. Residents complain that they have been compensated very little for the piece of land. Jobs were promised in the processing plant, but no jobs have been given as yet. The rehabilitation colony is spread across 136 acres of land. The rehabilitated families also complain that the houses are too small, and bear no resemblance to the ones they are used to from their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0079.JPG
  • Kumri Majhi's family is one of the many families who have been displaced and have been relocated in small houses in the Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar around the Vedanta Alumina processing plant. Residents complain that they have been compensated very little for the piece of land. Jobs were promised in the processing plant, but no jobs have been given as yet. The rehabilitation colony is spread across 136 acres of land. The rehabilitated families also complain that the houses are too small, and bear no resemblance to the ones they are used to from their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0080.JPG
  • Kumri Majhi's family is one of the many families who have been displaced and have been relocated in small houses in the Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar around the Vedanta Alumina processing plant. Residents complain that they have been compensated very little for the piece of land. Jobs were promised in the processing plant, but no jobs have been given as yet. The rehabilitation colony is spread across 136 acres of land. The rehabilitated families also complain that the houses are too small, and bear no resemblance to the ones they are used to from their village.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0081.JPG
  • A young protester is seen with a stone at the makeshift gate that has been set up by the local kondh villagers to stop Vedanta officials to go across to the proposed area for mining in the Niyamgiri hill is seen in Lanjigarh, Orissa.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0082.JPG
  • Local Kondh villagers sit next to the makeshift gate that has been set up by the villagers to stop Vedanta officials to go across to the proposed area for mining in the Niyamgiri hill is seen in Lanjigarh, Orissa.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0083.JPG
  • Local Kondh villagers sit next to the makeshift gate that has been set up by the villagers to stop Vedanta officials to go across to the proposed area for mining in the Niyamgiri hill is seen in Lanjigarh, Orissa.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0084.JPG
  • Protest posters are put up and a makeshift gate has been set up by the protesting local kondh villagers to stop Vedanta officials to go across to the proposed area for mining in the Niyamgiri hill is seen in Lanjigarh, Orissa.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0085.JPG
  • Local Kondh villagers sit next to the makeshift gate that has been set up by the villagers to stop Vedanta officials to go across to the proposed area for mining in the Niyamgiri hill is seen in Lanjigarh, Orissa.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0086.JPG
  • Kumati Majhi, a local leader opposing the Vedanta mining is seen talking to the local Kondh villagers. The villagers have set up a makeshift gate to stop Vedanta officials to go across to the proposed area for mining in the Niyamgiri hill is seen in Lanjigarh, Orissa.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0087.JPG
  • Local Kondh villagers sit next to the makeshift gate that has been set up by the villagers to stop Vedanta officials to go across to the proposed area for mining in the Niyamgiri hill is seen in Lanjigarh, Orissa.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0088.JPG
  • An old man sits inside his hut in the village that is few metres from the boundary wall of the refinery and causes obstruction of expansion as it falls inbetween the land that has already bought by Vedanta. The villagers are resisting and have decided not to sell the land to the company at any cost.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0089.JPG
  • An old Kondh woman is seen with her grand children outside her hut in Ijurupa village that is few metres from the boundary wall of the refinery and causes obstruction of expansion as it falls inbetween the land that has already bought by Vedanta. The villagers are resisting and have decided not to sell the land to the company at any cost.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0090.JPG
  • Villagers whose land has been forcibly taken by them (for the factory construction) gather outside their homes. This village is few metres from the boundary wall of the refinery and causes obstruction of expansion as it falls inbetween the land that has already bought by Vedanta. The villagers are resisting and have decided not to sell the land to the company at any cost.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0091.JPG
  • A young boy is seen outside his hut in Ijurupa village in Lanjigarh, Orissa, India
    sdas_landrights_orissa0092.JPG
  • A cycle amongst other things like suitcase, few clothes in a bundle and pots were the few belongings that the Kondh's brought with them when they were displaced from their land. The Government's agreement with Vedanta Alumina to allow mining of bauxite deposits in the Niyamgiri hills, the home of the Dongaria Kondha tribe, is an example of how corporate interests backed by state support are trampling on tribal livelihoods and threatening an ecologically rich and important region.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0093.JPG
  • A cycle amongst other things like suitcase, few clothes in a bundle and pots were the few belongings that the Kondh's brought with them when they were displaced from their land. The Government's agreement with Vedanta Alumina to allow mining of bauxite deposits in the Niyamgiri hills, the home of the Dongaria Kondha tribe, is an example of how corporate interests backed by state support are trampling on tribal livelihoods and threatening an ecologically rich and important region.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0094.JPG
  • Prafulla Majhi is one of the villagers whose land has been forcibly taken by them (for the factory construction). His village is few metres from the boundary wall of the refinery and causes obstruction of expansion as it falls inbetween the land that has already bought by Vedanta. The villagers are resisting and have decided not to sell the land to the company at any cost.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0095.JPG
  • A villager is seen outside his house in Ijurupa village. This village is few metres from the boundary wall of the refinery and causes obstruction of expansion as it falls inbetween the land that has already bought by Vedanta. The villagers are resisting and have decided not to sell the land to the company at any cost.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0096.JPG
  • One of the protesting villager, Daka Majhi poses for a photo outside his house in Lanjigarh. Vedanta has been negotiating to buy some of his land but Daka has refused to sell his land to Vedanta. Six acres of his land (inside the refinery area) was forcibly bought from him in the past.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0097.JPG
  • The protesting villagers, Daka Majhi (left), Prafulla Majhi (centre) with their cousin pose for a photo outside their house in Lanjigarh. Vedanta has been negotiating to buy some of his land but Daka has refused to sell his land to Vedanta. Six acres of his land (inside the refinery area) was forcibly bought from him in the past.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0098.JPG
  • One of the protesting villager, Daka Majhi poses for a photo outside his broken house in Lanjigarh. Vedanta has been negotiating to buy some of his land but Daka has refused to sell his land to Vedanta. Six acres of his land (inside the refinery area) was forcibly bought from him in the past.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0099.JPG
  • An old man sits outside his hut in the village that is few metres from the boundary wall of the refinery and causes obstruction of expansion as it falls inbetween the land that has already bought by Vedanta. The villagers are resisting and have decided not to sell the land to the company at any cost.
    sdas_landrights_orissa0100.JPG
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