The Union government has stepped into the fray of controversy surrounding sand mining off the Kerala coast, asserting that the designated offshore blocks have been carefully carved out to exclude Marine Protected Areas. Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, addressed concerns raised by CPM leader John Brittas and Muslim League representative Harris Beeran in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act provides robust safeguards for ecological balance, biodiversity, and the interests of fishermen.
Reddy clarified that no offshore blocks have been allocated yet, and any bidders will need to secure all necessary consents, approvals, permits, and no-objection certificates from both the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Department of Fisheries before commencing operations. This stringent regulatory framework aims to mitigate potential environmental impacts and address the concerns of local communities.
However, the scientific community remains cautious. The effects of continental shelf mining on pelagic and benthic biota are still not fully understood, according to experts. K K Ramachandran, a consultant scientist at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, warned that mining activities could lead to a loss of biodiversity among benthic and pelagic fauna. The uncertainty surrounding the severity and scale of these impacts underscores the need for thorough environmental assessments and ongoing monitoring.
Fisherfolk have raised alarms, alleging that the identified mining blocks encroach on traditional fishing grounds, particularly the Kollam Parappu. However, a senior official from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) refuted these claims, stating that the Kollam Parappu, a critical breeding ground for demersal species, is located at a depth of 275 to 370 meters and is not within the identified blocks. The GSI official clarified that the offshore sand blocks are situated around 30 kilometers off the Kollam coast at a depth of 48 to 65 meters, well away from the sensitive Kollam Parappu area.
This development is likely to shape the future of the mining sector in several ways. First, it sets a precedent for how environmental and community concerns can be integrated into mining regulations. The government’s emphasis on obtaining necessary consents and approvals from environmental and fisheries departments signals a commitment to sustainable practices. This could influence other mining projects to adopt similar stringent environmental safeguards.
Second, the controversy highlights the need for transparent and inclusive decision-making processes. The involvement of local communities, scientists, and environmentalists in the planning and execution of mining projects can help build trust and ensure that all stakeholders’ interests are considered. This approach could lead to more sustainable and socially responsible mining practices.
Third, the scientific uncertainty surrounding the impacts of continental shelf mining underscores the importance of ongoing research and monitoring. As the mining industry continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of its environmental impacts. This could spur investment in research and development, leading to innovative solutions that minimize environmental damage and promote biodiversity conservation.
The debate over sand mining off the Kerala coast is far from over. As the government moves forward with its plans, it will be crucial to maintain open dialogue with all stakeholders, ensure robust environmental assessments, and prioritize the interests of local communities and ecosystems. The mining industry must rise to the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, and this controversy serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved.
