Chhattisgarh Activist Announced ‘Green Nobel’ Winner for Saving Forest

Alok Shukla is the Convener of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan

Newsreel Asia Insight #207
April 30, 2024

Alok Shukla, the 43-year-old convener of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA), will receive the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize, recognised globally as the Green Nobel. This honor celebrates his leadership in grassroots movements that has thwarted the establishment of 21 coal mines, safeguarding 445,000 acres of biodiverse forest.

“In July 2022, the government cancelled the 21 proposed coal mines in Hasdeo Aranya, whose pristine forests—popularly known as the lungs of Chhattisgarh—are one of the largest intact forest areas in India,” says the Goldman Environmental Prize.

In 2009, despite the environmental ministry labelling Hasdeo Aranya (“Aranya” means forest) a “No-Go” zone for mining due to its rich biodiversity, shifts in policy saw its reopening to mining enterprises. This prompted intensified efforts by CBA and local tribal communities, culminating in the Chhattisgarh Assembly’s resolution in July 2022 to declare the nearly 1,700 sq. km expanse of Hasdeo forests as mining-free.

The Chhattisgarh government in October 2022 officially recognised the Lemru Elephant Reserve, spanning 450 sq. km, prompted by extensive grassroots mobilisation including a 10-day, 270-km march by over 2,000 villagers despite COVID-19 restrictions.

Shukla’s connection with the local communities has been fundamental. He has been instrumental in voicing their concerns, especially under significant pressure from national interests and mining corporations aiming to exploit the area’s coal reserves. His unexpected receipt of the prize was met with humility and surprise.

The ancient Hasdeo forests act as a crucial corridor for tigers, connecting neighbouring wildlife sanctuaries and providing habitat for around 50 endangered Asian elephants. These forests are also home to 25 threatened species, including leopards, sloth bears, grey wolves and striped hyenas; 92 bird species such as the white-eyed buzzard; and 167 species of rare and medicinal plants.

The forests also serve as a catchment area for the Hasdeo River, which merges into the Mahanadi River and supports the watershed for the Hasdeo Bango reservoir, irrigating 741,000 acres of agricultural land. Chhattisgarh, where 44% of the territory is forested, hosts India’s third-largest forest concentration.

Furthermore, nearly 15,000 Adivasi rely on the Hasdeo Aranya forests for their economic, cultural and essential needs.

Shukla’s movement has notably impacted regional politics, beyond Chhattisgarh’s borders to resonate throughout neighbouring regions like Madhya Pradesh.

“Growing up in the mineral-rich state of Chhattisgarh, Alok witnessed the profound environmental and social devastation wrought by extractive industries,” Goldman Environmental Prize notes. “Acutely aware of unsustainable resource extraction, he decided to dedicate his life to protecting the water, forests, and land of central India, as well as supporting Adivasi tribes, which are the traditional stewards of the land.”

Recently, 15,000 trees were felled to facilitate a coal mining project by Adani Enterprises, as reported by The Wire. Local protests escalated, involving Adivasi resistance and substantial public mobilisations in cities like Raipur and Bilaspur, reinforcing the region’s opposition to the encroachment on their lands and livelihoods.