New Delhi10 minutes ago
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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s letter written in the name of PM Modi has surfaced. In this, Rahul has opposed the Central Government’s decision to deliver offshore mining on the banks of Kerala, Gujarat and Andaman and Nicobar. Rahul has described it as a threat to the livelihood of Marine Ecosystem and Coastal Community.
Gandhi also criticized the Offshore Area Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023. The Congress leader said that this law was being opposed from the beginning, as it has ignored the environment and socio-economic side effects.
Rahul said that the government gave offshore mining permission to private companies without proper study and consultation with stakeholders. Therefore, the government can cancel its tender.
Big things about Rahul’s letter …
- Many research of noise indicates adverse effects of mining. These include the threat to marine life, damage to coral reefs and lack of fish stock.
- When the Ministry of Mines invited tenders to grant licenses for 13 offshore blocks, there were protests against this arbitrary step.
- 3 out of 13 blocks are for sand mining and construction on the coast of Kollam. This is an important place of fish breeding. The three blocks are for polymethetic nodules on the coast of the Great Nicobar Islands, which is a sea biodiversity hotspot.
- 11 lakh people in Kerala depend on fishing. YHe is not only his profession, but part of his tradition and lifestyle.
- Great Nicobar is home to many spatial species of wildlife around the world. The loss in these areas will never be possible.
- When the disadvantage in our coastal eco system has worsened the impact of natural disasters like cyclone, it is worrying that the government is deliberately giving these dangers without scientific evaluation.
- Intensive scientific studies should be conducted on this and all stakeholders, especially the fishermen community, should be consulted. Our sea is not only a resource, but the basis of livelihood of millions of people.
Currently, off noise mining is monitored under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Coastal Regulation Area (CRZ) rules in India.
What is off noise mining, which Rahul has expressed concern
Offshore mining is the process of mining and resources present under sea, lakes or other water sources. This mining is performed under the sea surface or to the depth in the sea foothills. In this process, sea sand, precious metals, oil, gas and other minerals are extracted.
There are 3 types of noise mining …
- Shelf Mining: This shallow is done in marine areas, where the depth of the sea is low.
- Deep-C Mining: The deep sea is meant to extract minerals. It consists of polymetalic nodules, hydrothmal sulfide and cobalt-rich crusts.
- Offshore drilling: In this, oil and natural gas are extracted in the depth of the sea.