Kerala raises concerns over Centre's offshore sand mining plans

The Kerala government has expressed strong concerns about the Union government's plans for offshore sand mining along its coast. Officials claim the project overlooks state interests and environmental impacts. Kerala has significant sand deposits, estimated at 745 million tonnes, in five coastal sectors. The state argues that recent amendments to mining laws do not adequately address state rights or environmental protection. The state government previously highlighted flaws in the Offshore Areas Mineral Act, particularly regarding the lack of study on the effects of mining on marine ecosystems.