Even as the government has convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday to address the mounting concern over sand-mining at Alappad, Industries Minister E.P. Jayarajan on Sunday came out against the people’s protest in the coastal area and asserted that there was no question of stopping public sector companies from mining.
“There is nothing illegal about the mining activities by KMML and IRE. Both companies will continue to mine sand.” He said the situation at Alappad did not warrant a public protest.
“The government has no intention of stopping the mining activities though it is prepared to address the concerns raised by the action council spearheading the protest.” He pointed out that the coastal stretch at Alappad was protected by a sea wall.
Mr. Jayarajan said the campaign was aimed at subverting the public sector companies involved in mining. “The government will examine the forces behind the protests to see if they are backed by the illegal sand-mining lobby.” He said that no political parties were involved in the protests.
Reacting to the Minister’s statement, CPI State secretary Kanam Rajendran said the government could not afford to ignore the concerns raised by the people to protect public sector companies. The CPI, he said, would stand with the people on the issue.
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala hit out at the Minister, accusing him of trying to cast a slur on the campaign. Mr. Chennithala who is visiting Alappad on Monday to take stock of the situation said the government had a responsibility to resolve the concerns raised by the people at Alappad.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had convened the conciliatory meeting on Wednesday after the relay hunger strike launched by the action council for the Save Alappad Stop Mining campaign crossed 70 days. The protest seeks to highlight the accelerated erosion of the coast caused by continuous mineral sand-mining. The campaign had gone viral on the social media after prominent personalities, including film stars, came forward to support the protest.