Rahul Gandhi Calls on PM Modi to Halt Offshore Mining Projects
Fears for Marine Life and Lack of Assessment
Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader and Lok Sabha’s Opposition leader, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to stop offshore mining projects along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Risk to Marine Life
Gandhi voiced concerns about the potential harm to marine life from these projects. He noted that studies have shown the risks they pose. He accused the government of approving these activities without proper scientific assessment.
Opposition to the Offshore Areas Mineral Development and Regulation Amendment Act, 2023
Gandhi mentioned that the Offshore Areas Mineral Development and Regulation Amendment Act, 2023, faced strong objections. He emphasized the potential damage to coral reefs and the depletion of fish stocks due to these projects.
Protests Against the Arbitrary Move
Gandhi pointed out that when the Ministry of Mines invited tenders for 13 offshore blocks, protests erupted against this arbitrary move. He expressed concerns about proposals for mining construction sand on the coast of Kollam in Kerala and for polymetallic nodules off the coast of the Great Nicobar islands.
Polymetallic Nodules and Crusts
Polymetallic nodules and crusts are mineral deposits in the ocean that are rich in metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and rare earth elements.
Request for Cancellation and Scientific Studies
Gandhi strongly urged the government to cancel the tenders issued for the offshore mining blocks and undertake rigorous scientific studies to assess their environmental and socio-economic impact. He stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Ministry of Mines Invited Tenders for Offshore Mining Blocks
On November 28, the Ministry of Mines invited tenders for offshore mining blocks in 13 locations, including three in Gujarat, three in Kerala, and seven off the coast of the Great Nicobar Island.
50-Year Lease Proposal
The proposed lease is for 50 years.
Consultations with Stakeholders
Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh had said that the offshore mining blocks have been carefully selected, ensuring that protected areas and fishing areas remain unaffected. He also mentioned that the Centre had held consultations with stakeholders.
Existential Threat to Fishing Communities and Marine Ecology
The proposed project in Kerala’s Kollam poses an existential threat to fishing communities and marine ecology.
Great Nicobar Island Development Project
The Great Nicobar Island Development Project involves the construction of a Rs 36,000-crore trans-shipment port, an international airport, a power plant, a township, and tourism infrastructure spread over more than 160 square kilometres of land.
Environmental Clearance and Concerns
The project was granted environmental clearance by the Centre on November 4, 2022. It will subsume 166 square kilometres of the island’s total area of 921 square kilometres. Experts and researchers have raised serious concerns about the impact of the project on the environment and the indigenous communities of the island.
