Common people have not benefited from Vedanta: Jagannath Nundruka

Q&A with sarpanch of Shibapadar panchayat, Rayagada

This maverick sarpanch is shunned by the Dongaria Kondh tribals who view him with huge mistrust. Despite being the sarpanch of Shibapadar panchayat that has five villages-Serkapadi, Kesarpadi, Batudi, Khambesi and Jarapa which hosted the final gram sabha on Niyamgiri bauxite mining, Jagannath Nundruka did a no-show at all these village council meetings.

But Nundruka speaks out in self-defence, denies all allegations, bats for the Dongarias’ rights and says the mining project will not serve any common good. Edited excerpts:

The outcome of all gram sabhas is now out in the open. Why do you think the Dongarias have unanimously voted against the mining plan?

This is all pre-destined. The Dongarias never wanted any company to mine their sacred hills. The Niyamgiri hill range is the very reason for their existence. That the Dongarias were opposed to the mining project was known long before the Supreme Court order and the view just got reflected at the palli sabha meets.

But don’t you think the Dongarias were heavily influenced by the NGOs and also the Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti (NSS) in their decision making?

I don’t agree. Like I have already said, the plan to mine bauxite on the Niyamgiri hill top was never acceptable to them. The NGOs and NSS activists were seen watching the gram sabha proceedings. There was also political presence from parties like Congress and CPI (ML). But I can’t say if they influenced the tribal voters.

You never attended any of the palli sabhas. The Dongarias have accused you of neglecting their interests and siding with the government officials. What do you have to say on these allegations?

These allegations are all fabricated. I did not attend any gram sabha only to ensure that they are held in a free and fair manner.
Also, I have been backing the Dongarias in the fight for their rights from the very beginning. As such, I have not received any complaints from them on my conduct.

Do you think the Dongarias were adequately educated on their rights before the palli sabhas took off?

Notices were issued by the panchayat office on receipt of government orders on conduct of palli sabhas. The government also organized two orientation programmes at Shibapadar well ahead of the start of the palli sabhas. But the purpose was defeated since no Dongaria Kondh attended it.

Lastly, don’t u think the bauxite mining project could have brought economic gains for the tribals?

Not at all. Mining activity will not serve any common good. Look at Vedanta. It has a presence in the state for 10 years now. But the common people have not been benefited. To expect anything from the company is futile.