Environmental Injustice - Report

Environmental Injustice – Illegal Sand Mining in India
Group 13
Students & Roll No. -

Aayush Anil Mishra 230929328
Ratish A.M 230906324
Kritagya Singh 230906366
Ishita Batra 230906034
Introduction –
Illegal sand mining in India is a prevalent environmental and socio-economic issue that has
caused widespread impact on ecosystem and communities. Illegal sand mining in India is a
significant issue that poses serious environmental and social challenges. The mining of sand
from riverbeds without proper licenses or permits is considered theft of minerals under Indian
law.
Illegal and excessive sand mining can also result in environmental degradation. For example,
illegal sand mining in the Papagani Catchment Area in Karnataka has resulted in groundwater
depletion and environmental degradation in communities along the river’s banks in both
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) empowers
state governments to make rules for regulating the grant of mineral concessions in respect of
minor minerals.
This illegal activity not only causes the loss of aquatic habitats but also destabilizes
riverbanks and disrupts the soil bed structure, leading to severe environmental consequences
Fig. 1 – Illegal Sand Mining near Papagani Catchment Area , Karnataka.

Since the early 2000s, sand demand in India is estimated to have more than tripled. Within a
few decades, manual and artisanal extraction, without much ecological impact, has been
replaced by massive and mechanized exploitation, causing major damage.
Much of it is done illegally. If its scale is impossible to precisely quantify, it generates a
profitable business that enriches entrepreneurs, politicians, union and local leaders and
corrupt police officers – so-called "sand mafias" that are at the heart of violence and murders.
Fig. 2 – Sand Mining near Yamuna River , Delhi
Case Study Analysis –
Illegal Sand Mining in Karnataka -

According to the Karnataka State Government estimates, One Metric Tonne of legally
extracted sand or stone fetches the government Rs 27, but is illegally sold for Rs 6,500-7,000.
While in Ballari, mining was mostly for Manganese and Iron ore, in other parts of the state, it
is for sand and stone. Extraction and Exploitation is at its peak in Kolar, Chikkaballapur,
Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Mandya, Hassan, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Shivamogga and
Mysuru.
The Malnad region is facing the threat of mining because of large laterite stone deposits.
Illegal stone quarrying in Shivamogga district, which is called the Gateway to Malnad, has
been going on for years. The district has 76 laterite stone quarries and 30 sand blocks which
are running legally.
While this is a sensitive issue , the government is trying to implement all the possible
measures to curb these illegal activities by increasing the prison sentence and fine on illegal
mining of any natural resource.
Fig. 3 – Illegal Sand Mining in Shivamogga, Karnataka
The illicit nature of sand mining in these regions exacerbates the negative economic impacts
by fostering corruption, tax evasion, and exploitation of natural resources without proper
compensation or regulation.
The Netravati River Sand Mining

The Netravati River has a large catchment area and rough flows during the monsoon season
and this river serves as a vital source of water for the Mangalore region. The issue of illegal
sand mining has been prevalent in this region since the 2010’s.
Lack of stringent rules & regulations, and rampant corruption by politicians as well as
contractors has resulted in a huge loss of aquatic ecosystem and has made it difficult for
farmers and other members of the nearby village to carry out fishing and other various day-
to-day activities.
Economical & Environmental Impact due to Sand Mining near Netravati River
1) Disruption of Traditional Livelihoods:

Sand mining activities along the Netravati River disrupt traditional livelihoods dependent on
activities like fishing and agriculture, leading to economic instability for local communities
2) Increased Costs for Environmental Damage:
Illegal sand mining in Netravati resulted in increased costs associated with
environmental damage caused by land degradation, water pollution, and infrastructure
risks due to flooding, impacting the local economy negatively.
3) Undermining Sustainable Economic Development:

The lack of regulation and enforcement in sand mining activities fosters a cycle of
illicit practices that undermine sustainable economic development in the region,
posing long-term economic challenges for Netravati and its communities.
Fig. 4 – Netravati River Sand Mining , Karnataka.
1) Environmental Degradation
Unregulated sand mining leads to the destruction of river ecosystems and coastal habitats.
The removal of sand alters river channels, disrupts sediment balance, and contributes to
erosion. The loss of vegetation along riverbanks further exacerbates environmental
degradation.
2) Impact on Biodiversity
Sand mining negatively impacts aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, jeopardizing the
biodiversity of flora and fauna. Disruption of riverbeds and sediment transport affects fish
habitats, leading to a decline in fish populations. Additionally, the disturbance of nesting
grounds for various species of turtles and birds poses a threat to their survival.
3) Groundwater Depletion
Excessive sand mining can alter the natural flow of rivers, affecting groundwater recharge.
This, in turn, contributes to the depletion of groundwater resources, which are crucial for
sustaining agriculture and providing drinking water to communities.
4) Social Consequences
The social ramifications of illegal sand mining are significant. Conflicts often arise between
local communities dependent on rivers for their livelihoods and sand miners. The illegal
nature of the activity further exacerbates these tensions, leading to disputes over resource
access.
Fig. 5 – Groundwater Depletion
Overall Observation –
We observed that Sand Mining in the Netravati River has had significant environmental
impacts, including habitat destruction, groundwater depletion, water quality degradation, and
erosion and sedimentation effects.
These impacts have led to the degradation of riparian and aquatic species, affecting the
overall health and balance of the ecosystem. Additionally, the river is home to several
endangered aquatic and terrestrial species that are crucial components of the ecosystem and
are affected by the sand mining activities.
The impact of illegal sand mining is clearly visible and this is affecting the natural ecosystem,
lack of in-situ & ex-situ conservation and damage caused by mining sand has already resulted
in the decline in the population of various rare and exotic species.
Fig. 6 – Condition of Netravati River Bank , 2017.
Conclusion –
In conclusion, illegal sand mining in India has significant environmental, social, and
economic consequences.
Despite regulations in place, illegal mining continues to thrive, leading to the exploitation of
riverbeds and coastal areas.
Efforts have been made to address this issue, including the issuance of guidelines and the use
of surveillance technologies.
However, more needs to be done to tackle the environmental, social, and economic
challenges associated with illegal sand mining in India.
Fig. 7 – Supply and Demand of Sand in India
Acts Implemented to prevent Illegal Sand Mining –

The Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines 2016 were released by
the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. The guidelines aim to ensure
that sand and gravel mining is environmentally and socially responsible.
Main Goals -
1) Environmental and Social Responsibility:
Ensure sand and gravel mining is conducted in an environmentally sustainable
and socially responsible manner.
2) Sustainable Aggregate Availability:
Guarantee an adequate quantity of aggregate is available sustainably, preventing
over-exploitation.
3) Enhanced Mining Monitoring and Transportation:
Improve the efficiency of mining monitoring and the transportation of mined-
out material.
4) River Conservation and Equilibrium:
Conserve the river’s equilibrium and natural environment by protecting and
restoring the ecological system.
5) Prevent Downstream Aggradation:

Avoid aggradation in downstream areas, especially those housing hydraulic
structures like jetties and water intakes.
6) Protection from Bank and Bed Erosion:

Ensure rivers are safeguarded from bank and bed erosion beyond their stable
profile.
7) Unobstructed River Flow and Water Transport:

Prevent obstruction to river flow and water transport, while restoring riparian
rights and in-stream habitats.
8) Prevent Water Pollution:

Avoid pollution of river water to prevent deterioration of water quality.
9) Prevent Groundwater Depletion:

Mitigate excessive groundwater draining to prevent depletion of groundwater
reserves.
10) Streamlined Environmental Clearance Process:

Streamline the environmental clearance (EC) process for sustainable mining,
facilitating responsible extraction practices.
The guidelines require the preparation of District Survey Reports (DSRs) before
granting mining leases. The guidelines also state that the layers of sand and
gravel that can be removed from the river bed depend on the river’s width and
replenishment rate. The guidelines also prohibit the extraction of sand and
gravel where erosion may occur, such as at the concave bank.
References –
PILKEY, ORRIN H., et al. “BEACH MINING: Truths and Solutions.”
Vanishing Sands: Losing Beaches to Mining, Duke University Press, 2022, pp.
185–94. JSTOR
Jeyaranjan, J. “Sand and the Politics of Plunder in Tamil Nadu, India.” The Wild
East: Criminal Political Economies in South Asia, edited by Barbara Harriss-
White and Lucia Michelutti, UCL Press, 2019, pp. 92–114. JSTOR
Michelutti, L. (2019). The inter-state criminal life of sand and oil in North India.
In L. Michelutti & B. Harriss-White (Eds.), The Wild East: Criminal Political
Economies in South Asia (pp. 168–193). UCL Press.

Environmental Injustice - Report

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Environmental Injustice - Report

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Environmental Injustice - Report

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Environmental Injustice – Illegal Sand Mining in India

Students & Roll No. -

Fig. 1 – Illegal Sand Mining near Papagani Catchment Area , Karnataka.

Fig. 2 – Sand Mining near Yamuna River , Delhi

Case Study Analysis –

Illegal Sand Mining in Karnataka -

Fig. 3 – Illegal Sand Mining in Shivamogga, Karnataka

The Netravati River Sand Mining

1) Disruption of Traditional Livelihoods:

3) Undermining Sustainable Economic Development:

Fig. 4 – Netravati River Sand Mining , Karnataka.

Fig. 5 – Groundwater Depletion

Acts Implemented to prevent Illegal Sand Mining –

5) Prevent Downstream Aggradation:

6) Protection from Bank and Bed Erosion:

7) Unobstructed River Flow and Water Transport:

8) Prevent Water Pollution:

9) Prevent Groundwater Depletion:

10) Streamlined Environmental Clearance Process:

You might also like