Alok Shukla | |
|---|---|
| Born | India |
| Occupation | Environmental activist |
| Notable work | Campaign to protect Hasdeo Aranya forest |
| Awards | Goldman Environmental Prize (2024) |
Alok Shukla is an Indian environmental activist and recipient of the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize for Asia. He is known for his leadership in efforts to protect the Hasdeo Aranya forest in Chhattisgarh, India from coal mining developments. Shukla’s work has focused on advocating for biodiversity conservation and the rights of indigenous communities.[1]
Early life and career
editShukla began his work in activism with local environmental organizations and developed a focus on forest conservation and indigenous rights. Over time, he became actively involved in campaigns against projects that he and local communities viewed as threatening to forests and traditional lands.[2]
Activism
editThe Hasdeo Aranya forest, located in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, is one of India's largest forest areas, supporting diverse ecosystems and home to indigenous communities. When coal mining projects were proposed for the region, Shukla organized campaigns with local groups to oppose these developments. His activism has included protests, legal advocacy, and public awareness efforts to prevent the expansion of mining in Hasdeo, highlighting concerns over the environmental and social impacts of such projects.[3]
Shukla’s work on the Hasdeo Aranya campaign has received national and international attention, drawing attention to the balance between resource extraction and forest conservation in India.[4]
Recognition
editIn 2024, Shukla was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize in recognition of his work to protect the Hasdeo Aranya forest. The prize, awarded annually to environmental activists around the world, acknowledged Shukla’s efforts to promote environmental conservation and support local communities affected by mining projects.[1][5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Alok Shukla - Goldman Prize Recipient". Goldman Environmental Prize. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ "Saving One of the Largest Forests in India from Coal Mining, Alok Shukla Wins 2024 Goldman Prize". Good News Network. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ Sharma, Rohit (2024-05-24). "Indian forest activist Alok Shukla awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize". The Hindu. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ "The Forest, the Coal Mine and a Goldman Prize". NPR. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ "Alok Shukla Wins Goldman Prize, or Green Nobel, for Hasdeo Aranya Campaign". Down to Earth. 2024-05-24. Retrieved 2024-11-11.