Illegal Sand Mining
Environmental Impact and Regulatory Framework
Sand is the world's second most consumed natural resource after water, and river sand mining in India has reached ecologically unsustainable levels. The Ministry of Mines issued the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines (2016) and the Sand Mining Framework (2018) to regulate extraction. Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR), 1957 — as amended — sand is classified as a minor mineral, and state governments are responsible for its regulation and lease granting. The Supreme Court in S. Jagannath v. Union of India and multiple subsequent orders has imposed restrictions on riverbed mining in ecologically sensitive areas and mandated Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for sand mining projects. However, enforcement remains a state-level challenge, with illegal mining driven by the booming construction industry and weak local administration.
- Sand classified as a "minor mineral" under MMDR Act, 1957 — state government jurisdiction for leasing and regulation.
- Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016 (Ministry of Mines) — framework for sustainable extraction.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 — mandates EIA for sand mining above threshold areas.
- SC in Deepak Kumar v. State of Haryana (2012) held all mining from riverbeds requires prior environmental clearance.
- Illegal sand mining depletes river morphology, lowers water tables, causes bank erosion, and destroys aquatic habitats.
● Tracked since March 13, 2026 · last seen April 17, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes