The Goldman Environmental Prize, known as the “Green Nobel Prize,” celebrated its 35th anniversary by honoring seven grassroots activists from around the world. Each winner represents a different continent and has demonstrated exceptional dedication in protecting the environment.

Alok Shukla, the convener of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA), is awarded the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize for his outstanding efforts to protect Hasdeo Arand, a critical forest area in central India threatened by coal mining. Shukla’s leadership in a community campaign successfully halted plans for 21 coal mines across 445,000 acres of biodiversity-rich forests. His advocacy led to the Chhattisgarh Assembly unanimously designating nearly 1,700 sq km of Hasdeo forests as mining-free.

Despite these achievements, challenges persist. The Parsa and Parsa East Kete Basan (PEKB) coal mines face opposition due to their potential impact on the fragile ecology and biodiversity of the forests. Legal battles, including a case pending in the Supreme Court, underscore the ongoing struggle to safeguard Hasdeo Arand and its vital ecosystems from further exploitation. Shukla’s work exemplifies the enduring efforts needed to protect nature against industrial encroachment and underscores the importance of grassroots activism in environmental conservation.