Kerala Protests Against Offshore Mining Over Environmental and Livelihood Concerns

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 15)

Topic: GS3 – Environment

Context

Kerala witnessed protests against the Centre’s plan for offshore mining off its coast, citing threats to fisheries and marine ecosystems.

Analysis of the news:

Background and Legislative Context

• The protests in Kerala stem from the Centre’s decision to allow private sector participation in offshore mining through the amended Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act).

• The Act was amended in 2023 to introduce competitive auctions for offshore mining of resources such as polymetallic nodules, lime-mud, and construction sand.

• In November 2024, the government auctioned 13 offshore blocks, including three off the Kerala coast.

Proposed Mining off Kollam Coast

• A Geological Survey of India (GSI) study identified approximately 745 million tonnes of construction-grade sand off the Kerala coast, with 300 million tonnes in the three blocks off Kollam.

• The proposed mining depth ranges from 48 to 62 meters.

• Since these blocks lie beyond 12 nautical miles, they are under the Centre’s control as per the OAMDR Act.

Fishermen’s Concerns

1. Damage to Fisheries – Kollam Parappu (Quilon Bank) is a productive fishing ground. Mining could reduce marine catch by clouding the water and shrinking the euphotic zone, where photosynthesis occurs.

2. Sediment Plumes – Mining could trigger sediment plumes that spread over large areas, harming fish and marine ecosystems.

3. Toxic Release – Mining could release harmful substances into the sea, affecting aquatic life.

4. Safety Threat – Large mining vessels could disrupt fishing activities and pose safety risks to fishermen.

5. Loss of Revenue – All mining royalties will go to the Centre, leaving the state without any direct financial benefit.

Union Government’s Stand

• The Centre maintains that the mining blocks are outside the state’s jurisdiction and that 130 marine protected areas have been excluded from the mining zones.

• An Offshore Areas Mineral Trust has been set up to mitigate environmental and livelihood impacts, with coastal states as stakeholders.

Political and Environmental Fallout

• Kerala’s Assembly passed a unanimous resolution against the mining plan, citing ecological and livelihood threats.

• Protests by MPs and state legislators in Delhi highlight the growing political resistance to the Centre’s push for private sector-led offshore mining.

Conclusion

• The proposed offshore mining off Kerala’s coast has sparked strong opposition due to its potential environmental and economic impact on the fishing community.

• While the Centre emphasizes regulatory safeguards and mitigation measures, Kerala demands the plan’s withdrawal to protect marine biodiversity and fishermen’s livelihoods.

Practice Question: Discuss the implications of the proposed offshore mining off the Kerala coast on the environment and the livelihoods of the fishing community. Suggest measures to balance economic development with ecological sustainability. (150 Words /10 marks)