Sink Offshore Mining Tenders! Rahul Gandhi's Letter to PM Modi

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has penned a forceful letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the immediate cancellation of tenders for offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Highlighting severe risks to marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, the Congress leader criticized the government’s approach as reckless and lacking in scientific rigor.

In his letter, dated March 25 and publicized on Sunday, Gandhi wrote, “I strongly condemn the central government’s decision to permit offshore mining along the coast of Kerala, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar.” He argued that opening offshore mining blocks to private entities without thorough impact assessments threatens marine life and the well-being of millions.

“Coastal communities have been protesting against the manner in which tenders for offshore mining have been floated without evaluating its environmental impact,” he noted, emphasizing the distress of fisherfolk whose livelihoods hang in the balance.

Gandhi reiterated his stance on his WhatsApp channel, stating, “I wrote to PM Modi to condemn the permission granted for offshore mining in Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands without consulting local stakeholders or conducting environmental studies. Offshore mining will impact the livelihoods of millions of fisherfolk and irreversibly damage our diverse marine life. The government must immediately revoke this decision.”

The Congress leader pointed to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, which faced widespread objections for its potential fallout.

He warned of “adverse impacts, including threats to marine life, damage to coral reefs, and the depletion of fish stock.” The Ministry of Mines’ tenders for 13 offshore blocks—including three off Kollam, a key fish breeding zone, and three near Great Nicobar, a biodiversity hotspot—have sparked protests, which Gandhi cited as evidence of public backlash.

Citing a University of Kerala Marine Monitoring Lab survey, Gandhi underscored the “devastating impact” on fish breeding in Kollam, where over 11 lakh people depend on fishing—a lifeline woven into their cultural fabric. He added, “Great Nicobar is globally recognised for harbouring diverse ecosystems and endemic species. Any damage due to offshore mining could potentially do irreparable damage.”

With coastal erosion already amplifying cyclone effects, he questioned the government’s decision to proceed “without a scientific assessment.”

Urging decisive action, Gandhi demanded, “I strongly urge the government to cancel the tenders issued for the offshore mining blocks.” He called for “rigorous scientific studies” to evaluate environmental and socio-economic consequences and insisted on consulting stakeholders, particularly fisherfolk, whose “lives are intertwined with the fate of our oceans.” Closing with a plea for sustainability, he told Modi, “Let us work collectively towards building a sustainable future for all.”