Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the cancellation of offshore mining tenders along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Raising concerns over the environmental impact and livelihood of coastal communities, the Congress leader condemned the government’s decision to allow private players to exploit offshore mining blocks without a comprehensive environmental assessment.
Concerns Over Marine Life and Coastal Communities
Gandhi highlighted the potential damage to marine ecosystems, including threats to fish breeding, coral reefs, and biodiversity hotspots. He stated that millions of fisherfolk have voiced their opposition to the move, fearing a severe impact on their livelihood.
“Offshore mining will impact the livelihoods of millions of fisherfolk and irreversibly damage our diverse marine life. The government must immediately revoke this decision,” Gandhi wrote on his WhatsApp channel.
Protests Against Offshore Mining Tenders
The Ministry of Mines had invited tenders for 13 offshore blocks, triggering widespread protests. Among these, three blocks are located off the coast of Kollam in Kerala, an important fish breeding habitat, while another three are positioned near the Great Nicobar Islands, a region known for its rich marine biodiversity.
Gandhi criticized the government for allegedly bypassing local stakeholders and ignoring long-term socio-economic consequences. He referenced an ongoing study by the University of Kerala’s Marine Monitoring Lab, which suggests that offshore mining could have a devastating impact on fish populations, particularly in Kollam.
Also Read: Did HAL supply sensitive technology to blacklisted Russian defence firm? Here’s what MEA says
Call for Scientific Assessment and Stakeholder Consultation
Gandhi pointed out that over 11 lakh people in Kerala depend on fishing, a profession deeply tied to their cultural heritage. He stressed that Great Nicobar’s ecosystems, home to several endemic species, could face irreversible damage if mining activities proceed.
“At a time when coastal erosion and climate change are worsening natural calamities like cyclones, it is alarming that the government is pushing ahead without scientific assessments,” he said in his letter dated March 25.
He urged the government to:
- Cancel the issued offshore mining tenders
- Conduct rigorous scientific studies on environmental and socio-economic impacts
- Consult all stakeholders, particularly fisherfolk, before making policy decisions
Gandhi’s demand adds to the growing debate on balancing industrial expansion with environmental sustainability in India’s coastal regions. As the government proceeds with its offshore mining plans, the opposition’s stance could spark further discourse on the nation’s environmental policies.
