Thiruvananthapuram, March 4: The Kerala Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution opposing the Central Government's decision to permit deep-sea mineral mining along the state's coastline. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tabled the resolution, which was passed amid significant protests from opposition UDF MLAs.
UDF MLAs Stage Protest Inside Assembly
The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) members staged a demonstration in front of Speaker A.N. Shamseer's dais, accusing him of acting as an "agent" of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). The UDF legislators protested after Speaker Shamseer prevented Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan from concluding his speech, following rejection of their demand to adjourn the Assembly session for a discussion on the ongoing protest by ASHA workers. Subsequently, the opposition walked out of the House, resulting in the deep-sea mining resolution being passed without debate.Kerala Government's Stand Against Deep-Sea Mining
Kerala's government has consistently maintained that allowing deep-sea mining along the state's coast is unacceptable due to severe environmental and socio-economic impacts. Concerns about the adverse effects on the traditional marine fish stocks, coastal erosion, potential job losses among fishermen, and disruptions to fishing vessels have already been communicated to the Central Government.Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeeve informed the Assembly last month that the state had formally registered its protest against the Centre’s proposal on three separate occasions. He highlighted that both the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, and its recent amendments fail to align with the interests of coastal states, including Kerala.
UDF Declines Joint Protest Offer
The ruling LDF had earlier urged the opposition Congress-led UDF to jointly protest against the Centre's mining proposal. However, the UDF rejected this invitation, accusing the Left government of implicitly supporting the mining initiative. The UDF plans to organize separate protests against the Centre’s decision.Fishermen’s Protest Escalates
Last month, the Kerala Fisheries Coordination Committee, representing fishermen's unions, organized a state-wide 24-hour hartal to oppose the deep-sea mining initiative. Fishermen refrained from venturing into the sea, leading to disruption in activities at fishing ports, landing centers, and markets stretching from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram.Committee leaders indicated that the Central Government intends to auction offshore sand mining blocks in five sectors along Kerala's coastline, namely Kollam South, Kollam North, Alappuzha, Ponnani, and Chavakkad. In continuation of their protest, the committee has announced a planned march to Parliament on March 12.
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