Renowned environmental activist Alok Shukla is set to receive the prestigious 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize, widely recognised as the Green Nobel, for his remarkable efforts in safeguarding the biodiversity-rich Hasdeo Arand forest region in Chhattisgarh.
The prize ceremony is scheduled for Monday, where Shukla will be honoured for his leadership in the Hasdeo Arand movement, spearheaded through the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA). The Hasdeo Arand forest, spanning an expansive 170,000 hectares and boasting 23 coal blocks, stands as one of the largest contiguous stretches of dense forest in central India. Shukla’s tireless advocacy and community mobilisation efforts have played a pivotal role in protecting this ecologically vital region from the encroachment of coal mining activities.
Under Shukla’s guidance, the CBA orchestrated a highly successful grassroots campaign, which resulted in the preservation of 445,000 acres of biodiversity-rich forests, effectively thwarting plans for 21 proposed coal mines within the Hasdeo Arand area. In a significant victory for environmental conservation, the Chhattisgarh government took decisive action in July 2022 by cancelling the proposed coal mines, acknowledging the critical importance of preserving the pristine forests of Hasdeo Arand. The journey towards safeguarding Hasdeo Arand was fraught with challenges, including policy ambiguities and pressures from vested interests. Despite these obstacles, Shukla and the CBA remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting the region. Through strategic advocacy and community engagement, they succeeded in garnering widespread support, leading to landmark decisions such as the designation of nearly 1700 sq km of Hasdeo forests as mining-free and the notification of the Lemru Elephant Reserve covering 450 sq km.
Shukla’s leadership and collaborative approach have been instrumental in amplifying the voices of local communities and advancing their demands for environmental preservation. From lobbying village legislative councils to organising protest marches and engaging with government authorities, Shukla’s multifaceted efforts have yielded tangible results, culminating in the withdrawal of coal mines from public auction and the cancellation of additional mining projects. With the notification of the Lemru Elephant Reserve, a significant portion of Hasdeo Arand is now safeguarded, marking a major victory for conservationists and local communities alike. As Shukla receives the Goldman Prize, his inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope for environmental activism and underscores the power of collective action in protecting our planet’s precious natural resources.
