Credits: The Better India |
Kinkri Devi did not know how to
read and write, yet, she went on to became a pioneer activist who educated the masses
about the environment, and raised concerns about the effects of uncontrolled
mining. Heroes come in all forms, but octogenarian, green-heroes that wage a
war against an unjust system to fight for what they truly believe in, with
great conviction, are rare. Kinkri Devi is one such green-hero!
Credits: Tehelka |
After a long period with no
response to her suit, she headed for Shimla and staged a 19-day hunger strike
outside the court until it agreed to take up the issue. The strike won Devi
national and international headlines. In 1987, the high court not only ordered
a stay on mining but also imposed a blanket ban on blasting in the hills.
Faced with the prospect of
closing their operations, her opponents threatened to kill her, but she
continued to fight. The mine owners appealed to the Supreme Court, which ruled
against them in July 1995, adding to Devi's renown.
Kinkri Devi passed away on
December 30, 2007, but she left behind a legacy. She was a true fighter and
survivor and hers is a story that must be shared.
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