Coastal communities in Kerala are opposing a revised state budget proposal that allows private participation in mineral sand mining. The move has triggered concerns over environmental impact and livelihood risks in coastal regions.
Rare Earth Corridor Plan Announced
The state budget has allocated ₹100 crore for developing a Rare Earth and Critical Mineral Corridor across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha. These districts are known for their rich deposits of rare earth and other critical minerals.
Political Opposition to Policy Shift
Former KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran criticised the proposal, saying it goes against earlier election promises made by the United Democratic Front. He warned that opening the sector to private players could harm public interest and repeat earlier controversies linked to mineral sand mining.
He also pointed to ongoing protests in Alappuzha against mining activities at Thottappally, saying such projects have already faced strong resistance from local communities.
Allegations of Private Gain
Sudheeran further argued that earlier public sector-led mining initiatives were not effective in addressing local issues like flooding in Kuttanad and instead appeared to benefit private mining interests.
He has demanded the withdrawal of the new proposal and urged the government to avoid moves that could enable private control over coastal mineral resources.
Fishermen’s Groups Oppose Plan
Kerala Fishermen’s Aikya Vedi (TUCI) state president Charles George strongly opposed the budget proposal, warning that it could lead to privatisation of coastal resources.
He said allowing private firms into beach sand mining would damage fragile coastal ecosystems and threaten the livelihoods of fishing communities, adding that the community would resist any such move.
Support for Controlled Private Participation
Technocrat M. P. Sukumaran Nair offered a contrasting view, stating that public-private partnerships could help modernise mining operations and introduce advanced mineral-processing technologies.
He said such collaboration could support the development of high-value sectors like titanium-based nanomaterials and improve long-term competitiveness, provided environmental safeguards are strictly followed.
Industrial Potential Highlighted
The proposed corridor is expected to create value addition through mineral processing and downstream industries. Nair described titanium as a growing “sunrise industry,” with increasing demand in space exploration, including ISRO missions, power generation systems, and medical implants.
