Context:
The Kerala Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution against the country’s decision regarding offshore mining along the coastline of the State. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved it, with much apprehension on the consequences regarding the environmental, economic, and security implications.
What is Offshore Mining?
Offshore mining is the process of extracting minerals and precious stones from the seabed. It can involve pumping the material to the shore and leaving tailings on the beach.
Critical Concerns Raised
- Environmental Damage to Marine Ecosystems
- Destruction of the fragile marine ecosystem would be a consequence of deep sea mining.
- Impacts Kerala’s electrifying fisheries sector as it threatens fish resources and biodiversity.
- Economic Effects on Fishing Community
- Fishing is an important livelihood for thousands of people in Kerala.
- Decrease in fish stock would harm employment and income due to offshore mining activities.
- Threat to National Security
- The amended Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 allows private people to access strategic deep sea minerals.
- The aspect of security risk is raised from the government of the State due to the control of important resources.
- Worries over Central Government Policy
- Under the 2023 amendment of the Act, the Union Ministry of Mines can auction deep sea mineral blocks.
- Kerala clearly states that this sort of measure is taken without proper consultation and disregard to the interests of the State.
Expert Warnings and Way Forward
- Marine experts and environmentalists keep revealing the long term ecological impacts they are predicting.
- The State government demands for the reconsideration of the move and advocates for sustainable marine resource management.
- More inclusivity from Kerala places the demands of local livelihoods and environmental concerns before putting such policies into action.
By standing firm and united against offshore mining, Kerala would make strides towards protecting her coastal line, the economy, and marine biodiversity from potentially irreversible damages.
Source: TH
