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Coastal communities in Kerala are protesting against the Centre’s plans for offshore mining, fearing it will damage the marine ecosystem and their traditional way of life.
Protests intensified after an amendment to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, which allowed private sector participation in offshore mining.
Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002
The OAMDR Act governs the development and regulation of mineral resources in India's maritime zones.
It was enacted by Parliament in 2003.
It regulates mineral resources in India's territorial waters, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone
It allows the government to reserve offshore areas that are not under any operating right
It allows the government or a government company to be granted a composite license or production lease
It mandates competitive bidding for a production lease and a composite license to private entities
It imposes a limit on the total area one entity can acquire offshore
It allows a licensee or lessee to transfer a composite license or a production lease to any person eligible for grant of such license or lease
2023 amendment to the Act introduced reforms to allow greater private sector participation in offshore mining.
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