Kerala Resists: Coastal Mining Rules Spark Controversy

The Kerala government has raised strong objections to recent central government regulations permitting private companies to mine and explore atomic minerals in India's maritime zones. Officials warn that these actions threaten the marine ecosystem, the livelihoods of those in the fishing industry, and even national security.

Industries Minister P. Rajeev criticized the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025, for being formulated without Kerala's input. He highlighted that the state's coastal waters are abundant in soil rich in atomic minerals and stressed that the new rules bypass state authority in favor of central control, undermining constitutional rights.

Rajeev expressed concerns over potential environmental degradation, job loss in public sector enterprises, and threats from foreign agencies involved in deep-sea mining. Despite Kerala's protests, the central government is advancing with plans to enact the controversial regulations, which outline licensing and operational parameters for atomic mineral extraction.

(With inputs from agencies.)