Rare Incident in the Lok Sabha

A rare moment unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday during the Question Hour when Telugu Desam Party leader Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was presiding over the session, raised a question himself. As a question listed under his name came up for discussion, he sought the House’s permission and proceeded to speak. Addressing Union Minister for Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh, he asked how the government plans to balance environmental protection while extracting rare minerals found in coastal regions. His query highlighted the challenge of ensuring sustainable development without harming ecological systems.

Responding to the question, Minister Jitendra Singh stated that beach sand minerals are primarily found in coastal and rocky layers, and their extraction has now resumed. He noted that during 2014-15, illegal mining and smuggling had become a significant concern, with valuable minerals such as thorium being illicitly extracted under the guise of graphite mining. To curb such activities, strict measures were implemented, including a temporary ban on mining operations. The government is now focusing on regulated extraction while maintaining environmental safeguards.