For long i was aghast at the state of indian politics,like many others.But the reason was a bit different - i was upset that the native / common people were subject to all kinds of harrassment in the name of development.Be it the big dam, mining or any other dream project(for the select few), it is the native people who is relocated w/o any consideration.All in the name of good for the country - damn it!
Consider this - a big dam to serve a few thousands to irrigate better at the cost of lakhs who loose their livelihood and horror of horrors their home.In addition, environment is never cared for.I dunno how this can be justified.To top it all, no proper rehabilation for them as well - consider narmada bacho andolan and tonnes of other big projects.Knowing our largely second rate politicians, bureaucrats, govt. officials, this is no surprise.
But 26th Aug was a red letter day in the history of indian politics.Resisting huge pressures from the orissa govt, Environment minister Jairam ramesh had the courage and conviction to stop the mining of Niyamgiri hills for bauxite ore.
To add honey, Rahul gandhi has publicly backed the ban and had lent his voice for the tribals of Niyamgiri(even though it could be for votebank politics, it is still a laudable stance).Atlast, there is hope for India...Truly Gandhi would have been satisfied at these developments - this is real gandhi jayanthi.
http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/ramesh-champions-environmental-laws-corks-niyamgiri-mining
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/article103761.ece - amnesty international's news on Niyamgiri
http://www.survivalinternational.org/about/niyamgiri - for more about the tribals, their life & plight.
P.S: Orissa govt will not backup so fast, already the chief minister has started cribbing publicly.Let us hope this one is a real victory.
