Industries Minister refutes UDF’s allegations on State government’s involvement in offshore sand-mining. He says the State had requested the Centre to renounce the plan, terming the 2023 amendments to the Offshore Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 against the interests of the States and for failing to address environmental concerns. Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeeve dismissed accusations by the United Democratic Front (UDF) that the State government was complicit in illegal offshore sand-mining activities. Rajeeve clarified that the State had actually been proactive in opposing the Centre’s decision to amend the Offshore Mineral Act, which would allow private entities to undertake sand-mining in the deep sea. The Minister emphasized that Kerala had highlighted the potential negative impacts of the amendments on the environment and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Rajeeve reiterated the State’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation, asserting that they had consistently advocated for policies that prioritize the protection of natural resources. In response to the UDF’s allegations, the Industries Minister affirmed that the State government had raised objections to the proposed changes to the Offshore Mineral Act during the recent meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Chennai. Rajeeve reiterated that Kerala had expressed its reservations about the amendments and their potential implications for the coastal states. The Minister underscored the importance of safeguarding the interests of the States and ensuring that any decision regarding offshore mining took into account the concerns of local communities and the environmental impact. Rajeeve’s statement comes in the wake of allegations by the UDF that the State government was complicit in allowing illegal sand-mining activities off the coast of Kerala. The UDF had accused the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) of turning a blind eye to the environmental degradation caused by offshore mining operations. However, Rajeeve’s clarification seeks to set the record straight and dispel any misinformation regarding the State government’s stance on the issue. The Industries Minister’s assertion that Kerala had opposed the Centre’s amendments to the Offshore Mineral Act demonstrates the State’s commitment to upholding environmental standards and protecting the interests of its citizens. Rajeeve’s response to the UDF’s allegations reflects the State government’s efforts to promote sustainable development practices and ensure the welfare of its people. By refuting the accusations and highlighting Kerala’s opposition to the proposed amendments, the Industries Minister has reaffirmed the State’s commitment to responsible governance and environmental stewardship.
