Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the immediate cancellation of tenders that allow offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In his communication, Gandhi expressed deep concerns over the potential threats to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

In the letter, Gandhi criticized the central government’s decision to open up offshore mining to private entities without conducting thorough environmental impact assessments. “I strongly condemn the central government’s move to permit offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar without proper consultation or study,” he wrote.

Gandhi highlighted the widespread protests by coastal communities against the tender process, which they argued disregards the ecological and socio-economic ramifications. He pointed out that millions of fisherfolk are apprehensive about how offshore mining could disrupt their traditional way of life and threaten their income.

According to Gandhi, the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, has faced significant opposition due to its implications. He warned that such activities could lead to severe environmental damage, including harm to marine life, destruction of coral reefs, and reduction in fish stocks—critical issues for the sustainability of fishing communities.

The recent tender invitations by the Ministry of Mines for licenses to explore 13 offshore blocks have sparked further outrage. Among these, three blocks are located off Kollam’s coast, a key area for fish breeding, and another three are near the Great Nicobar Islands, known for their rich marine biodiversity. Gandhi argued that these locations are particularly vulnerable, and the lack of stakeholder consultation or long-term impact studies is alarming.

Citing ongoing research by the Marine Monitoring Lab (MML) at the University of Kerala’s Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, Gandhi noted that offshore mining could have devastating effects on fish breeding, especially in Kollam. He emphasized that over 1.1 million people in Kerala depend on fishing, making any threat to this sector a significant concern.

“Great Nicobar is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous endemic species,” Gandhi stated, adding that any mining activity could cause irreversible damage. He also linked the erosion of coastal ecosystems to increased vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones, questioning the government’s decision to proceed without scientific backing.

In his appeal to the Prime Minister, Gandhi urged the cancellation of the current tenders and called for comprehensive scientific studies to evaluate both the environmental and socio-economic impacts of offshore mining. “Most crucially, all stakeholders, particularly our fisherfolk, must be involved in any major decisions,” he stressed, underscoring their deep connection to the ocean’s health.

“Let’s work together towards a sustainable future for all,” Gandhi stated in his letter, urging collective action to protect both the environment and the communities that rely on it.

A Lamborghini crash in Noida Sector 94 has left two labourers injured, prompting serious concerns regarding speeding and road safety. The individuals involved in the incident, identified as Dijen Ravidas and Rambhu Kumar from Chhattisgarh, were reportedly struck by a luxury vehicle when it allegedly sped by at approximately 300 km/h.

According to reports, the two labourers were working in the area when they were hit by the Lamborghini, causing them to fall into a nearby drain. Initially taken to a local hospital, both men are said to be out of danger, although they have sustained leg fractures. Their accounts of the accident have caught media attention, particularly their claim about the excessive speed at which the car was traveling.

Citing eyewitnesses, news reports state that Ravidas recounted how the Lamborghini came toward them at a high speed of 300 kmph, leading to their unfortunate collision. However, the police have not yet verified the speed of the vehicle at the time of the accident, leaving some questions unanswered.

The driver of the Lamborghini, identified as Deepak, is a resident of Ajmer and has since been taken into custody. Authorities also confirmed that the car was registered in Puducherry. During questioning, Deepak reportedly stated that the crash occurred due to a fault in the vehicle, although further investigation is underway, and police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

An alarming video that surfaced online captured a moment following the accident, where a bystander asked Deepak if he was aware of the injuries. Deepak’s response—an inquiry as to whether anyone had died—has raised eyebrows among those witnessing the aftermath.

Local witnesses described a scene of confusion as people gathered around the damaged vehicle, with one stating that the driver seemed unable to control the car, which ultimately collided with a roadside divider after hitting the workers.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about speeding and reckless driving in urban areas, prompting discussions about the need for stricter safety regulations. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover more details about the crash.

A tense situation unfolded in Kewatgama Pachiyari village, located under the Kusheshwar Asthan police station jurisdiction in Bihar’s Darbhanga district, as members of two communities allegedly engaged in stone-pelting, officials said on Monday, March 31.

The clash erupted as a group of individuals was returning from a religious gathering known as the Kalash Shobha Yatra. Authorities reported that the violence was initiated when people from another community began throwing stones from rooftops at the procession participants.

Reports also suggest that a minor scuffle broke out, reportedly fueled by a rumor that a hen had been attacked with sticks, escalating tensions in the area.

Swift action by local law enforcement prevented any injuries, as confirmed by Alok, the Superintendent of Police (Rural-Darbhanga). “Police teams were dispatched immediately to the scene and managed to stabilize the situation,” SP Alok stated. He further noted that the incident, which was captured on video by a local watchman, helped in quickly identifying the agitators.

In response to the violence, police have arrested six individuals and filed a case against a total of 45 people involved in the disturbance. “We have the situation completely under control now and have deployed additional forces to maintain peace and ensure communal harmony,” SP Alok added.

Senior police officials are closely monitoring the area to prevent any further escalation and to maintain order. The community awaits further updates as investigations continue, with authorities urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with the ongoing efforts to restore complete normalcy.