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Protests in Kerala over Centre’s Offshore Mining
Context:
Kerala has been witnessing statewide protests against the Centre’s offshore mining plan. The Kollam offshore mining proposal is at the center of the conflict. Protests include fishermen unions, environmental activists, and political leaders.
Kollam Offshore Mining Proposal
Background of Offshore Mining in India
- Regulation: Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act).
- 2023 Amendment: Opened offshore mining to private sector participation.
- First e-auction (November 2024): 13 offshore blocks, including 3 off Kerala’s coast.
- Mining lease duration: 50 years.
- Geological Survey of India (GSI) found 745 million tonnes of construction-grade sand off Kerala’s coast.
- Three blocks near Kollam contain 300 million tonnes of sand at a depth of 48-62 meters.
- These blocks are beyond 12 nautical miles, falling under Union control.
Legal and Jurisdictional Conflict
- Offshore mining (>12 nautical miles): Under the Union Government as per OAMDR Act.
- Fishing activities (<12 nautical miles): A State subject.
- Kerala’s stance: Claims authority over local marine ecosystems and fisheries.
- Centre’s argument: Kerala has no legal authority to oppose offshore mining.
Concerns of Fishermen Community
- Livelihood Threats
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- Fisheries sector: Supports 11 lakh fishermen across 222 villages.
- Kollam Parappu (Quilon Bank): A highly productive fishing ground.
- Impact of seabed mining:
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- Water clouding reduces the euphotic zone, affecting fish breeding.
- Sediment plumes may spread over thousands of kilometers, impacting ecosystems.
- Release of toxic substances, harming marine biodiversity.
- Navigation hazards due to large mining vessels, endangering fishermen’s safety.
- Protests: Led by All India Fishermen Congress (AIFC), including sea demonstrations.
- Environmental Concerns
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- Coastal erosion acceleration: Weakens natural buffers against cyclones and monsoons.
- Biodiversity loss: Threatens coral reefs, sponges, and fish populations.
- Ocean acidity rise: Harms marine species sensitive to pH changes.
- No Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before issuing tenders.
- Economic and Strategic Considerations
- Revenue Distribution
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- Entire royalty from mining goes to the Centre.
- Kerala receives no financial share, raising federal concerns.
- Strategic Concerns
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- Threat to National Security: Strategic minerals could fall into private hands.
- Contradiction with Kerala’s Blue Economy vision:
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- Kerala’s State Planning Board advocates sustainable marine resource use.
- Offshore mining threatens long-term ecological sustainability.
Union Government’s Stand
- 130 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) excluded from mining zones.
- 106 Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas (ICMBAs) identified for conservation.
- Offshore Areas Mineral Trust (OAMT) formed to fund ecological mitigation and support affected communities.
Political Response
- Kerala Legislative Assembly: Passed a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the plan.
- Congress MPs (e.g., K.C. Venugopal): Called for an independent EIA.
Global Perspective on Deep-Sea Mining
- International Seabed Authority (ISA): Yet to finalise global deep-sea mining regulations.
- Global Opposition:
- Companies like BMW, Volvo, and Google oppose deep-sea mining.
- Call for a moratorium on unregulated seabed mining.
- Escalation of protests: Fishermen unions plan a march to Parliament.
Broader Implications of Kerala’s Protests
- Political and Social Mobilisation
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- State vs. Centre Conflict: Opposition led by Congress and Left parties.
- Mass Fishermen Protests: Coastal communities and trade unions mobilised.
- Environmental Groups’ Involvement: Aligns with global movements against deep-sea mining.
- Economic and Strategic Ramifications
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- Policy Re-Evaluation: Protests may lead to delays/modifications in India’s Deep Ocean Mission.
- Global Commitments: India must balance economic interests with international environmental treaties.
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- Alternatives to Deep-Sea Mining:
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- Circular economy approaches.
- Enhanced mineral recycling.
- Sustainable sourcing of critical minerals.
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Way Forward
- Scientific and Environmental Safeguards
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- Independent EIA before granting mining leases.
- Low-impact mining technologies to minimise ecological damage.
- Regulatory strengthening in line with UNCLOS and ISA guidelines.
- Inclusive Decision-Making
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- Stakeholder consultations: State governments, fishermen, and environmental experts.
- Revenue-sharing model: Fair financial benefits to coastal states like Kerala.
- Compensation and rehabilitation for affected fishing communities.
