Central govt should withdraw from sand mining from sea; Fisheries Coordination Committee calls for coastal hartal on February 27

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Fisheries Coordination Committee has announced a coastal hartal in Kerala on February 27 (Thursday) to protest against the central government's move to allow sand mining from the sea. The committee demands that the central government should withdraw from the mining process, which negatively impacts fishermen and coastal communities. Major organizations, including CITU, CPI, and Congress, have declared their support for the hartal.

The hartal will be observed in opposition to the central government’s Blue Economy policy and its decision to permit sea mining. Fishermen across the state, along with fish traders, harbours, and markets, will participate in the protest. Political parties, community organizations, and NGOs are also expected to join the movement.

Fishermen will halt their work as part of the strike. Markets and harbours will remain closed during the hartal. Protesters said that they would oppose the central government’s move to sell off marine sand and mineral resources to corporate companies. Leaders claim that the depth of excavation proposed by the central government will harm marine ecosystems and fish populations. Additionally, a march to Parliament is scheduled for March 12 as part of the ongoing protest against sea mining policies.