The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala has strongly opposed the Centre’s decision to initiate deep-sea mining along the state’s coast, asserting that it cannot be allowed “at any cost.”
The state government has also conveyed the concerns of the fishermen’s community to the Union government, urging the opposition to join the protest.
State Fisheries Minister Saji Cheriyan, addressing the Assembly on Tuesday, warned of the potential threats posed by deep-sea mining, including the destruction of marine and backwater fish stocks, coastal erosion, and job losses for fishermen. He criticised the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, and its recent amendments, arguing that they do not align with the interests of states.
“The Centre is opening sea mining to private players, which will endanger the livelihoods of fishermen and disrupt the marine ecosystem,” Cheriyan said during Question Hour. He emphasised that the state government stands with the fishing community and urged the Congress-led UDF opposition to set aside political differences and join the agitation against the move.
Cheriyan highlighted several risks, including increased accidents due to large vessels operating in fishing zones and a decline in fish stocks, which would impact fishermen’s earnings. He also expressed concerns over corporate monopolies entering the sector and pledged that the state would hold discussions with stakeholders to address the issue.
The minister noted that the state government could not conduct its own study on the adverse effects of deep-sea mining, as the planned operations fall between 16-30 nautical miles from the coast, beyond Kerala’s jurisdiction of 12 nautical miles.
The minister’s remarks come a day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured the Assembly that the state, in collaboration with the opposition, would firmly resist the Centre’s move. Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan had also raised concerns in the Assembly, calling for a united front against the proposal.