Maharashtra: 21 protestors opposing iron mining in Gadchiroli arrested

The police in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district on Monday arrested 21 people who took part in a protest against mining activities. Many of them have sustained severe injuries after being beaten in detention, an Adivasi organisation named Damkondwahi Bachao Sangharsh Samiti said.

Residents of Todgatta, located in the Etapalli tehsil of the district, and around 70 surrounding villages have been protesting since March 11 against six auctioned iron mines at Surjagarh hills.

In May, five companies received leases for the mines, spanning 4,684 hectares. These companies are Omsairam Steels and Alloys Private Limited, JSW Steels Limited, Sunflag Iron and Steel Company Limited, Universal Industrial Equipment and Technical Services Private Limited and Natural Resources Energy Private Limited.

Adivasi villagers have long opposed mining operations in the hills, saying that these lands are sacred to them and that the mines will destroy the ecosystem and their agricultural livelihoods.

In September, Scroll had reported that mining has resulted in severe pollution and turned rivers as well as farmlands bright red in colour. The protestors explained that the authorities have sought to undermine their efforts by claiming that they have links with Maoists, filing cases against their leaders and intimidating them.

On Wednesday, the Damkondwahi Bachao Sangharsh Samiti said that the 21 arrested persons have been booked under Indian Penal Code Section 353...

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