Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written a strongly-worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep concern and strong opposition to the Centre’s recent decision to permit offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Gandhi has urged the government to immediately halt the process and revoke the tenders issued for offshore mining blocks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive scientific studies and meaningful consultations with affected communities before proceeding with such large-scale environmental interventions.
In his letter, Gandhi underscored the urgent necessity of conducting thorough scientific studies to assess the potential environmental and socio-economic consequences of offshore mining. He pointed out that such activities pose a grave threat to marine ecosystems, coastal biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of fisherfolk whose existence is intricately linked to the health of India’s oceans.
“But most importantly, all stakeholders, especially our fisherfolk, must be consulted before any major decision is taken. Their lives are intertwined with the fate of our oceans. Let us work collectively towards building a sustainable future for all,” Gandhi wrote, stressing the importance of democratic participation in decision-making processes that impact local communities
Gandhi also highlighted the ongoing protests by coastal communities who have vehemently opposed the issuance of tenders for offshore mining. He noted that millions of fisherfolk have expressed grave concerns about the potential devastation that such projects could inflict upon their livelihood, traditional way of life, and the delicate marine ecosystems that sustain them.
He further criticized the government’s approach, stating that The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, had already faced widespread objections. Opening up offshore mining blocks to private corporations without a rigorous impact assessment, he warned, would only exacerbate existing ecological vulnerabilities. Citing various studies, Gandhi highlighted the severe repercussions of offshore mining, including irreversible damage to coral reefs, depletion of fish stocks, destruction of marine biodiversity, and threats to the long-term sustainability of coastal livelihoods.d
“It’s against this backdrop that the Ministry of Mines invited tenders for the grant of licenses for 13 offshore blocks, triggering widespread protests against what many see as an arbitrary and opaque move. Among these 13 blocks are three designated for mining construction sand along the coast of Kollam, a crucial fish breeding habitat, and another three blocks identified for extracting polymetallic nodules off the coast of the Great Nicobar Islands, a region known for its extraordinary marine biodiversity,” Gandhi pointed out in his letter.
He further criticized the government’s decision to float tenders without consulting key stakeholders or assessing the long-term socio-economic ramifications for coastal communities, describing it as an irresponsible act that disregards the rights and concerns of those who will be most affected.ct
The letter from the Congress leader adds to the growing debate over striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation. Critics of the government’s offshore mining policy argue that unregulated extraction of marine resources could have catastrophic consequences, not only for the environment but also for the millions of people whose lives depend on healthy oceans.
Environmental activists and marine biologists have warned that offshore mining could lead to habitat destruction, sedimentation, and water pollution, ultimately leading to a decline in fish populations. Given that the fishing industry supports millions of livelihoods in India, particularly in coastal states like Kerala and Gujarat, concerns have been mounting over the socio-economic fallout of such deca isio
Rahul Gandhi’s letter underscores a broader call for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance, especially when it comes to projects with far-reaching environmental and social consequences. He has urged the government to halt the offshore mining process, withdraw the tenders, and engage in a transparent dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, including fisherfolk, environmental experts, and local governing bodies, before making any irreversible decisions.
With opposition mounting from both political and civil society quarters, it remains to be seen how the central government will respond to the concerns raised by Gandhi and the larger public outcry against offshore mining along India’s ecologically sensitive coastlines.