Understanding Gandhamardan Landscape: Ecology and Economy in Conflict

The Gandhamardan Hills embody a complex intersection of ecological richness, cultural heritage and socio-economic dependence. Sustaining diverse biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods, the region has become a site of conflict following the discovery of bauxite deposits. Competing claims by local communities, the state and corporate actors have intensified concerns over environmental degradation, displacement and cultural loss. The Gandhamardan movement, led by tribal communities, women and youth, represents a sustained form of grassroots resistance asserting land, livelihood and resource rights. This study examines the tensions between conservation and development, highlighting the movement as a significant case of environmental justice and community-led activism in India.