Sea Sand Mining Project Protests and Legislative Actions

The Fisheries Coordination Committee in Kerala protested against the Central government's Sea Sand Mining Project at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.

Background and Issues

• The Earth Sciences Ministry clarified in response to an inquiry by Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor that the blocks for mining were created after excluding Marine Protected Areas.
• Keralan protests emerged due to the proposal to auction 13 sea blocks for mining construction-grade sand, threatening marine ecosystems and fish stocks.
• The Kerala Assembly opposed the auctioning with a resolution, and political figures like Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Modi to halt the auction.

Marine Protection and Regulations

• 130 Marine Protected Areas have been notified, along with 106 Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas identified for species conservation.
• Offshore blocks are delineated excluding these protected areas.
• The Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024 requires mining operations to follow an environmental management plan, including impact assessments and mitigation strategies.

Governance and Environmental Initiatives

• An Offshore Areas Mineral Trust has been formed, with coastal States as part of its Governing Body and Executive Committee.
• Funds from the Trust will support research and address ecological impacts from offshore operations.