Illegal sand mining has come under scrutiny as the Supreme Court emphasized its severity and called for immediate action to address its environmental and legal ramifications. The apex court has called for detailed facts and figures on the issue from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, hearing a 2018 public interest litigation (PIL) filed by M. Alagarsamy by January 2025. The plea for a CBI probe into the unregulated sand mining across rivers and beaches calls for a probe into environmental and socio-economic damage.
The PIL alleges that widespread illegal sand mining has led to environmental degradation, worsened law and order situations, and inflicted significant financial losses on the public exchequer. The plea also brought out the point that the authorities have failed to ensure compliance with environmental norms. It said that no operation is being done without obtaining the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), management plans, and public consultations required under the EIA Notification of 2006. Prosecute them, cancel their leases, and enforce all this with a big stick of strict compliance with environmental guidelines.
During the hearing, the bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna inquired whether sand mining activities require an EIA and, if so, what prerequisites must be fulfilled. The court directed the states to provide a comprehensive response and reiterated the significance of adhering to environmental protocols. Tamil Nadu’s senior counsel assured that steps were being taken to curb illegal practices, while other states were reminded of their pending affidavits, previously mandated with the threat of fines.
The petition further outlines the link between illegal sand mining and organized criminal networks, citing the involvement of local mafias using force to sustain their activities. The plea urges the Centre to withhold environmental clearances for sand mining projects till such time the cumulative impacts on affected areas are adequately assessed. It further puts emphasis on strict compliance with a Supreme Court ruling mandating environmental clearance for minor mineral leases covering areas less than five hectares.
The Supreme Court had first taken cognizance of the PIL in 2019, issuing notices to the Centre, CBI, and concerned states. Subsequent orders have just resulted in delayed responses, raising questions over lax enforcement of environmental and legal safeguards. According to the petition, unchecked sand mining does not only harm ecosystems but also infringes on the fundamental rights of citizens. Hence, swift judicial intervention is critical.
The case will be heard in late January 2025, and the Supreme Court will appeal to states to show responsibility and take corrective measures by considering the effects of illegal sand mining on both the environmental and socio-economic fronts.
Source: PTI