Indian tribes today said they will fight to save their ancestral home in southern Orissa.

The promise came as the Indian Supreme Court gave the go-ahead for British mining giant Vedanta Resources to mine bauxite in the Niyamgiri hills and destroy the tribes’ livelihood and sacred mountain.

Jitu Jakaka, a tribal activist from the affected Dongria Kondh community, said:

"We are deeply connected with the mountain. It is home to our god Niyamraja. We will not allow the company to mine our land, our sacred place. Any compensation they offer is worthless to us."

The Kondh depend on the forest and rivers of Niyamgiri for their food, water and livelihoods. Cutting trees is a religious taboo. Their lifestyle and beliefs have protected the local environment for centuries.

Bratindi Jena, tribal rights officer at international development charity ActionAid, said:

"The decision is devastating to the Kondh but it will not halt the community’s fight to save Niyamgiri.

"ActionAid is now appealing to Vedanta's shareholders to take a stand and help stop the company's plans. The Kondh rely on Niyamgiri mountain for their food, water and spiritual identity. Their struggle is not over.

"For tribespeople, mining the mountain for bauxite is equivalent to demolishing St Paul's cathedral and drilling beneath its ruins for oil. It wouldn't happen in the UK, it shouldn't happen in India."