Social activist Prafulla Samantara wins Goldman Environmental Prize

By Pramod Sahukar

Muniguda, April  24: Renowned social activist Prafulla Samantra has won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for massive anti-Vedanta campaign that halted mining operation at Niyamgiri hills in Odisha.

Mr Samantra had led the rallies and demonstrations against Vedanta that was forced to shut down its bauxite operations.

Hundreds of Dongria tribals had joined the agitations for protection of their Niyam Raja, the king of Niyamgiri hills.

He was among six winners to bag the award in the United States.

They other winners include — Mark Lopez (US), Uros Macerl (Slovenia), Rodrigo Tot (Guatemala), Rodrigue Katembo (Congo) and Wendy Bowman (Australia).

Besides his anti-Vedanta campaign, Mr Samantara has led tribal agitations against displacement for industrial projects, forest rights and police atrocities on scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.