Endangered Jeypore Gecko Faces Extinction Amid Mining Threat in Odisha
A proposed bauxite mine in Odisha's Balda hills endangers the rare Jeypore ground gecko and violates Adivasi land rights, raising urgent questions about government accountability.
Endangered Jeypore Gecko Faces Extinction Amid Mining Threat in Odisha
In a distressing turn of events, only four individuals of the endangered Jeypore ground gecko have been spotted in the past year, as reported by The Hindu. This rare species, native to Odisha's Balda hills, is now facing an existential threat from a proposed bauxite mining project. Residents, primarily Adivasis, have protested against the mining for two years, claiming it encroaches on their ancestral land.
A Call for Accountability
The plight of the Jeypore ground gecko is intertwined with the rights of the Adivasi community. With such a significant ecological concern at stake, citizens are left to ponder: What measures are being taken by the government to protect endangered species? Why has the mining project been prioritized over the preservation of both biodiversity and indigenous rights?
The ongoing protests demand answers and accountability from officials who must ensure that the rights of the people and the environment are safeguarded against corporate interests. The community's struggle highlights a broader issue of environmental justice in India, where marginalized voices often go unheard. The future of both the Jeypore ground gecko and the Adivasi heritage hangs in the balance as this situation unfolds.
Source: The Hindu
