Deep sea mineral mining should not be allowed; amendment to law should be abandoned; resolution unanimously passed by Assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Assembly has passed a resolution demanding that deep-sea mineral mining, which will adversely affect the state's economy and ecological balance, should not be allowed and that the Centre should drop the amendment to the law for the same. The resolution presented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was unanimously passed by the Assembly.

The resolution pointed out that the people and this Assembly are viewing the steps of the Union Ministry of Mines to conduct mineral mining auctions in the Kollam region, which is a traditional fishing area, with great concern.

It will have a severe impact on the invaluable fish resources and biodiversity. The Centre is ignoring the objections and concerns of the state government. The government has also expressed concern that by affecting the fish resources, the economy and the livelihood of the fishermen will be destroyed.

Experts in this field are of the opinion that mining will have a great impact on fish resources and deep-sea biodiversity. In addition to the fish resources, there is a possibility of significant damage to coral reefs, sea urchins, crabs, etc. There are also expert observations that the extinction of marine life will increase carbon emissions from the sea. Deep-sea mining will also cause siltation in the sea water. This will have a severe impact on fish stocks.

By allowing deep-sea mining to the private sector, there is a possibility that strategic minerals will fall into the hands of private individuals and even affect national security. The resolution also pointed out that the Assembly views with great concern the fact that the amendment to the law allows activities that adversely affect the marine ecosystem and environment and have the potential to endanger national security.