The Union government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing concerns related to offshore sand mining, particularly regarding its impact on fishermen and local communities. During a Lok Sabha session on Monday, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that necessary precautions will be taken while formulating production and environmental management plans to mitigate any adverse effects.
Bhupender Yadav informed Parliament that the first tranche of the auction for 13 offshore mining blocks was initiated in November last year. Among these, three offshore blocks were specifically allocated for construction sand extraction off the coast of Kerala. The announcement comes amid growing concerns from local fishing communities and environmentalists regarding the ecological and socio-economic impacts of offshore mining.
Congress MP KC Venugopal raised questions in Parliament, seeking clarity on whether a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted before the auction of these sand blocks. He demanded details on the key findings of the assessment, particularly regarding the degradation of coastal ecosystems. Venugopal emphasized the importance of protecting fish breeding grounds and migratory patterns, which are vital for sustaining traditional livelihoods in coastal regions.
Additionally, he questioned whether the government had coordinated with state authorities and environmental experts to evaluate the long-term environmental and socio-economic consequences of the proposed offshore sand mining. He also inquired whether the government had considered recalling or suspending the mining proposal until adequate safeguards were in place to prevent ecological damage.
In response, Bhupender Yadav assured that the government has put regulatory measures in place to safeguard ecological balance and biodiversity. He cited the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, which includes provisions aimed at protecting the interests of fishermen and local communities. Further, he mentioned the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024, which stipulate that no production activities can commence without an approved production plan.
According to the minister, every lessee engaged in offshore mining must submit both production and environmental management plans before beginning exploration or production activities. These plans are expected to outline strategies for minimizing environmental disruption while ensuring sustainable resource extraction.
The government’s assurance comes as environmentalists and local communities continue to voice their concerns over potential disruptions caused by large-scale offshore mining. While the government maintains that regulatory measures are in place, stakeholders will be closely monitoring how these policies translate into on-ground implementation. The issue is expected to remain a point of contention as discussions around sustainable mining practices and environmental conservation persist.
