Greenpeace Initiative to Save Mahan Forest

GreenPeace Initiative to save Mahan Forest

One of the oldest sal forests of Asia - Mahan, Madhya Pradesh are facing the threat of an absolute wipe out. Giant corporations Essar and Hindalco are after the coal reserves below these forests. Over 14,190 lives and livelihoods are dependent on the Mahan forests, Madhya Pradesh. Their culture, community and lives are intertwined with the forests that the corporations threaten to destroy. Displacement from their natural habitat is going to be devastating for the indigenous community.

The Struggle

There were reports of violence against the villagers by the local policemen forcing them to sign the resolution. The villagers were shocked to see their signatures forged by the authorities on the resolution form even after their refusal to sign. There were also complaints that they would be thrown behind the bars in case they don’t evacuate.

The people of Mahan have come together to reclaim what is theirs. The Mahan Sangharsh Samiti (MSS) was formed in March 2013 to protect the forests and land from coal mining. Since then, the MSS has expanded to 11 villages and garnered the support of the Minister of Tribal Affairs, KC Deo and civil society groups. They have also organised rallies and public meetings to raise awareness of their rights in the region.

Save Junglistan

This campaign was started by Greenpeace India to save Mahan forests by targeting Essar. Their first ad was published in the front cover of Business Standard in the month of April 2014. Junlistan.org was created having “ESSAR: QUIT MAHAN!,,” as the headline. “The pressure is on and Essar is getting closer to destroying forests in Mahan. Endangered wildlife, over 5 lakh trees, 14000 people- they all need you now! Sign up to Junglistan to join over a million in saving India’s forests. Join Junglistan. Be Mahan. Get Essar out!,” is the exhortation that followed.