Mamata Dash

Indian environmental activist protecting Odisha's forests and tribal communities

Mamata Dash: Forest Guardian of Odisha

Mamata Dash (b. 1970) is a tribal rights advocate from India's Odisha state, renowned for her decade-long battle against illegal mining and deforestation. As leader of Santhal Women's Collective, she organizes indigenous communities to resist land grabs by corporate interests. Her efforts led to the preservation of over 150,000 acres of forestland critical to biodiversity.

Challenges and Victories

In 2015, Dash survived an assassination attempt after exposing illegal timber operations. Her legal victories include the landmark 2018 Supreme Court ruling halting mining in the Hasdeo Arand forest. She pioneered the 'Forest School' initiative, educating tribal youth about ecological stewardship through traditional knowledge systems.

Global Recognition

Her work inspired the Greenpeace India campaign to protect Eastern Ghats ecosystems. In 2021, she was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize, highlighting her role in uniting indigenous groups across India. Dash continues organizing peaceful protests against coal projects threatening sacred forests.