Centre assures detailed study before sea sand mining starts
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Union Mines Secretary V. L. Kantha Rao clarified that the current phase of sea mining for sand involves only preliminary steps for auctioning. He assured that an Environmental Impact Assessment would be conducted before any mining activities commence, a process expected to take two to three years. "Mining operations will only commence after these steps are completed," Rao stated, aiming to alleviate concerns about immediate environmental repercussions.
The clarification comes in the wake of a 24-hour strike by Kerala's fishing communities against the Union government's proposal to auction five offshore blocks for mineral mining. Fishing activities across the state came to a standstill on Thursday. The protest, organized by the Fisheries Coordination Committee , saw fish landing centres and markets shut down, with thousands of fisherfolk participating in demonstrations statewide.
The FCC, comprising trade unions affiliated with both Left parties and the Congress, expressed deep concerns over the potential ecological impact of offshore mining near Kerala's coastline. They argue that such activities could severely disrupt marine ecosystems, particularly affecting fish populations vital to their livelihoods. Peter Mathias, an FCC member, emphasized the existential threat posed by the mining plans, stating, "This is a question of our survival. If we lose this, the fishing community will cease to exist. We will oppose the mining process at any cost."
The Union government's initiative is based on findings from the Geological Survey of India , which estimates that approximately 302 million tonnes of construction-grade sand are available for extraction from the identified blocks off Kerala's coast. The proposed mining depths range between 48.4 and 62.4 meters. Similar blocks have also been earmarked for auction in Gujarat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
State Industries Minister, P. Rajeeve, reiterated the state's firm opposition to the Centre's offshore mining plans. He detailed that the state had formally communicated its objections on three separate occasions: during a roadshow organized by the Union Ministry of Mines in Kochi on January 11, at the 64th Central Geological Programming Board meeting in Bhubaneswar on January 19, and through a letter dated February 13 from the Principal Secretary of the Industries Department. Rajeeve criticized reports suggesting state support for the Centre's move, labeling them as attempts to undermine Kerala's environmental concerns.
The fishing community's apprehensions are not without basis. The proposed mining sites include areas like the Quilon Bank off the Kollam coast, renowned for their rich marine biodiversity and as habitats for species such as sardines and mackerel. Fisherfolk fear that mining operations could lead to the closure of these crucial fishing grounds, further jeopardizing their means of subsistence.
Adding to the complexity, environmental studies have highlighted the potential adverse effects of offshore mining on marine ecosystems. Critics argue that the disruption of seabed habitats could lead to long-term ecological imbalances, affecting not only fish populations but also the broader health of oceanic environments. These concerns have been echoed in other regions globally, where similar offshore mining proposals have faced staunch opposition due to environmental and social implications.
The Union government's initiative is based on findings from the Geological Survey of India , which estimates that approximately 302 million tonnes of construction-grade sand are available for extraction from the identified blocks off Kerala's coast. The proposed mining depths range between 48.4 and 62.4 meters. Similar blocks have also been earmarked for auction in Gujarat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
State Industries Minister, P. Rajeeve, reiterated the state's firm opposition to the Centre's offshore mining plans. He detailed that the state had formally communicated its objections on three separate occasions: during a roadshow organized by the Union Ministry of Mines in Kochi on January 11, at the 64th Central Geological Programming Board meeting in Bhubaneswar on January 19, and through a letter dated February 13 from the Principal Secretary of the Industries Department. Rajeeve criticized reports suggesting state support for the Centre's move, labeling them as attempts to undermine Kerala's environmental concerns.
The fishing community's apprehensions are not without basis. The proposed mining sites include areas like the Quilon Bank off the Kollam coast, renowned for their rich marine biodiversity and as habitats for species such as sardines and mackerel. Fisherfolk fear that mining operations could lead to the closure of these crucial fishing grounds, further jeopardizing their means of subsistence.
Adding to the complexity, environmental studies have highlighted the potential adverse effects of offshore mining on marine ecosystems. Critics argue that the disruption of seabed habitats could lead to long-term ecological imbalances, affecting not only fish populations but also the broader health of oceanic environments. These concerns have been echoed in other regions globally, where similar offshore mining proposals have faced staunch opposition due to environmental and social implications.
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