Tides of Dissent: Kerala's United Front Against Centre's Offshore Mining Ambitions

Kerala's resistance to the Centre's offshore mining plan continues to mount. Fishermen unions across the state organized a large protest on Monday, occupying state highways and conducting sit-ins in front of government offices. The protesters want the proposed mining withdrawn off Kollam immediately, fearing destruction of the marine ecosystem and fishermen livelihoods. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had spoken of setting up an all-party delegation to meet the Prime Minister next week, after a request was made. Environmental groups have meanwhile taken on the Centre, filing a petition in the Kerala High Court challenging the validity of the proposed mining. Protests have disrupted daily life in coastal towns, with the local market and shops still closed in sympathy.

 

Source: Kerala Today