(a) whether the proposal for mineral sand mining along the Coast of Arattupuzha and Thrikkunnapuzha pachayats in Alappuzha District of Kerala has been dropped in view of the public protest in the place;
(b) if so, whether the State Government of Kerala has intimated the Government of India in this regard;
(c) whether the Government of India has stopped sanctioning mineral sand mining along Alappuzha Coast; and
(d) if so, the details in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES (Dr. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY)
(a)&(b): Four mining leases granted by State Government of Kerala in Arattupuzha - Thrikkunnapuzha areas in Alappuzha district have been kept in abeyance as informed by the State Government.
(c)&(d): Prior approval to the proposals of State Government for grant of mineral concessions for beach sand minerals listed in the First Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 is conveyed after obtaining no objection from Department of Atomic Energy and imposing conditions for safeguarding national security, environment and coastal regulation.