Cong MPs stage protest in Parliament premises, flag issues of sand mining, animal attacks in Kerala

On February 13, 2025, Congress Members of Parliament (MPs) staged a protest within the Parliament House premises, drawing attention to two critical issues affecting Kerala: the rising number of wildlife attacks and the controversial offshore sand mining. The protest, led by high-profile leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, sought immediate government intervention in addressing the urgent challenges faced by Kerala’s wildlife and coastal communities.

Wildlife Attacks in Kerala: A Growing Crisis

Since December 2024, Kerala’s Wayanad district has witnessed a surge in wildlife attacks, particularly by elephants, leading to 11 fatalities. This escalating crisis has left local communities in fear, as wild animals encroach on their settlements. Congress MPs highlighted the insufficient response from the state government due to a lack of resources.

Priyanka Gandhi voiced concerns during the protest, stressing the need for both central and state governments to allocate funds for managing wildlife-related issues. Wildlife attacks in Kerala have become a serious public safety concern, and authorities are overwhelmed by the scale of the problem.

Offshore Sand Mining: Environmental and Economic Threats

In addition to wildlife attacks, the Congress MPs raised concerns over offshore sand mining activities in Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Offshore sand mining threatens both the coastal ecosystem and the livelihoods of local fishing communities, as it disrupts marine habitats and pollutes the coastline.

The protestors held placards demanding a halt to offshore sand mining, with messages like “Save Coastal Communities” and “Stop Sand Mining.” K.C. Venugopal, a Congress MP from Kerala, called the sand mining activities harmful to the livelihood of fishermen and the delicate coastal environment, urging the government to reconsider its stance on such mining projects.

Political Context: Congress’s Demand for Immediate Action

This protest took place in the context of ongoing debates in Parliament regarding the government’s decision to allow offshore sand mining. Congress, along with the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), has been vocal in demanding the withdrawal of offshore sand mining projects, especially those in Kerala. The MPs have called for the central government to halt these projects before they irreparably damage coastal regions and harm local communities.

Conclusion: Protecting Kerala’s Wildlife and Coastal Communities

The Congress MPs’ protest in Parliament highlighted the urgency of addressing wildlife attacks in Kerala and the environmental consequences of offshore sand mining. While the government remains under pressure, it is clear that immediate action is needed to safeguard both human lives and natural resources. Congress has called for a more coordinated effort from both state and central governments to protect Kerala’s unique ecosystem and vulnerable communities.