'Deep-sea mining cannot be allowed at any cost': Kerala Govt to Centre

The Kerala government has strongly opposed the Centre's plan to begin deep-sea mining operations off the state's coast, stating that such activities would not be permitted under any circumstances. The government also confirmed that the concerns of the state's fishing community have already been communicated to the Union Government. State Fisheries Minister Saji Cheriyan told the Assembly that both the existing provisions in the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, and the amendments introduced last year do not align with the interests of the state. He emphasised that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government stands in solidarity with the fishermen and urged the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) to join the protest, setting aside political differences.