THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The anti-mining people’s committee in Alappad says that none of the recommendations made by the Assembly Committee on Environment, headed by Mr Mullakara Ratnakaran, has been implemented.
The committee in February last year came out with a set of 10 recommendations, aimed at shoring up the environment and protecting the coastal habitations. But anti-mining committee member Cibi Boney, ward councillor at Cheriyazheekal, and Mr K.C. Sreekumar allege that a mere cosmetic approach was adopted to address a life-and-death problem.
A breakwater constructed on the basis of the committee recommendation secures uninterrupted supply of sand to Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), though its stated purpose is the protection of Alappad coast. Even the seawall has not been strengthened, they allege. However, IREL rebutted the allegations, saying all that was expected of it as a public sector concern has been done, including the breakwater and seawall strengthening.
The following are the Assembly committee recommendations:
A supervisory committee comprising the district collector, other Government officials, environmental activists, people’s representatives and experts be formed under the Groundwater Department for periodic review mining activities and implementation of remedial measures in case of violations by IREL.
Construct a breakwater in mined areas; departments should monitor mining and whether IREL complies with conditions agreed upon while the Central and State Governments granted it mining licence.
It is unscientific to undertake mining in places that get filled up as a result of mining in nearby areas.
The committee is not for a total ban on mining. But mining should be undertaken without affecting the life and property of the people and their job prospects.
Put in place measures to redress complaints of local people against violations by IREL, without alienating general public
Ensure proper compensation for the dispossessed and give back land, subjected to mining, after proper filling
Implement project in collaboration with Water Resources Department to check soil erosion in mined stretches and restore water sources and plant mangroves in fragile places.
Assess farms damaged by saline intrusion in Alappad and award damages
Ensure a part of IREL profits is pooled back to the local people, the stakeholders, and create job opportunities
Undertake urgent scientific study to prevent loss of landmass and compensate those who suffered crop loss on account of saline contamination.
