In its rich flora and fauna, the Saranda region in India has attracted many mining companies because of its large iron ore depository. There are dozens of mining companies operating in Saranda, which are increasingly mining over the years. The Union Ministry of Steel has set a target to mine 50 million tonnes of iron ore by 2025, as a result, mining operations are expanded at the expense of forest land. The villagers regard the expansion of the mines as the death of Saranda's forest. Over the years, thousands of hectares of forest are destroyed, agricultural land of villagers have been damaged and water bodies polluted. The Koina River is one of the most important water bodies for villagers and animals. But now, as a result of mining operations, it has been contaminated by toxic substances, so that the river's colour has become red. In order to obtain clean drinking water, local people have to dig shallow pits near the river. Due to these problems, more and more tribals migrate from their centuries old villages to new livable places, to save health and fill the empty stomach. For many years, the locals have been protesting against expanding mines, but without any results. It is estimated that over 10,000 hectares of old-growth forest have been destroyed in Saranda. It has caused the extinction of many rare species and has destroyed important migration corridors for elephants. To protect Sarandas' forest and Adivasi rights, in 2016 well-known activist Gladstone Dungdung planned to take up this situation at the UK Workshop “Environmental History and Politics of South Asia” but unprofitable because he was offloaded by the AirIndia from Delhi-London Flight AI 115, which could have been caused by his fresh book “Mission Saranda...”.The frequent movement of large machines has caused many animals in the Saranda's forests stress. For example, most of the elephants have migrated to the new places and only about 150 of the 600th elephant are left in Saranda. Animals migrate out of their very ancient habitat to find peace in new places. The situation in Saranda has not improved to this day, fighting for the forest so far continues. Villagers are frustrated because the unique and beautiful nature has been destroyed in their own eyes. One villager once said: “I could not comprehend what was going on. I just hope that they leave some forests for our graves.’’ This shows how major mines actually affect people's lives in Saranda's forests now and in the future.

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Mining in Saranda forest, India