The ongoing agitation against mineral sand-mining at Alappad in Kollam district is set to continue with talks held between Industries Minister E. P. Jayarajan and leaders of the Janakeeya Samara Samithi here on Thursday hitting a dead end.
The government informed the samithi leaders that the sea washing process will be called off till the government-appointed expert panel submits its report. According to Mr. Jayarajan, hinterland mining cannot be stopped as it would affect the prospects of Indian Rare Earths (IRE).
But this was unacceptable to the samithi leaders who demanded an immediate end to mining in the region. After the meeting with the Minister, the samithi leaders said they were prepared to continue their struggle till death as it was a question of survival.
Mr. Jayarajan informed the delegation that the expert panel headed by T. N. Prakash, scientist, Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), has been asked to submit its report within a month. Till then, the sea washing process would be suspended.
Seawall repair
The Irrigation Department will adopt necessary measures to repair the damaged seawall along the 16-km stretch. On its part, the IRE would construct more groynes to protect the coast. The government will also form a committee headed by the District Collector, Kollam, to monitor these activities, Mr. Jayarajan said.
State’s wealth
“The government has made its policy clear. We cannot put a full stop to the mining as these minerals are the State’s wealth. I believe that the samithi leaders also understand the situation. We hope that they will accept the government’s stand and end the agitation,” Mr Jayarajan said. Janakeeya Samara Samithi chairman K. Chandradas said that they were flatly rejecting the Minister’s stand. The survival of 25,000 people inhabiting the coastal region was on the line, Mr. Chandradas said.
“'We don't see anything positive in the Minister’s stand. Suspension of sea washing alone will not resolve the issue,” he said. “'We demand nothing less than a permanent stop to mining in the region,” he said.
Janakeeya Samara Samithi members K. C. Sreekumar, R. Gireesh, Satheesh Kumar and Anudas also attended the meeting.
