Young, female and fighting for India's forests

Young environmental activist Neola Sybil Pereira (centre) dances with other activists during a flashmob at Altona in Goa. Photos: AFP

Fronted by a 20-year-old in pigtails, the dancing flash mob swings into action, campaigning to save a threatened wildlife reserve – part of a growing, youth-led environmental movement rattling Indian authorities.

The battle between the state and environmental activists is not new in India, where impoverished tribal communities have long complained of being displaced in the pursuit of economic growth.