Published: 1 September 2025Politics
Supreme Court Issues Notices on Illegal Sand Mining in Rajasthan
The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and Rajasthan government regarding large-scale illegal river sand mining and transportation in the state. Sand is classified as a 'minor mineral' under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957.
The Court flagged erosion and habitat disruption in riverbeds, increased flooding risk, groundwater depletion, and biodiversity loss. Environmental Impact Assessments are mandatory for all sand mining activities under the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines 2016.
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World Soil Day is observed on which date?
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Frequently asked questions
What action did the Supreme Court of India take on illegal sand mining in Rajasthan?
The **Supreme Court of India** issued **notices** to the Rajasthan government and concerned authorities on the issue of **illegal sand mining**, seeking a response on steps taken to curb rampant illegal mining that was causing environmental damage and revenue losses.
What are the environmental impacts of illegal sand mining in Rajasthan?
**Illegal sand mining** in Rajasthan causes: **riverbed degradation** and destabilization, threat to **aquatic ecosystems**, reduction of **groundwater recharge**, increased **flood risk** (by altering river channels), destruction of **riparian vegetation**, and **air and water pollution**.
What is the Supreme Court's role in environmental governance in India?
The **Supreme Court** has been proactive in environmental governance through landmark judgments like the **Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum case** (1996), establishing **polluter pays principle** and **precautionary principle** in India. The **National Green Tribunal (NGT)** was created partly to handle such environmental cases.
What is the legal framework governing sand mining in India?
Sand mining in India is regulated by: **Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act)**, **Environment Protection Act, 1986**, **Sand Mining Framework, 2018** by the Ministry of Mines, and state-specific mining rules. The **Ministry of Mines** oversees mineral regulation.
What is the Sand Mining Framework 2018 and how does it aim to prevent illegal mining?
The **Sand Mining Framework 2018** mandates: **district-level survey** of sand availability, **online tracking** of sand transport, **GPS monitoring** of mining vehicles, **grievance redressal portals**, and annual **replenishment studies** to ensure sustainable sand extraction.
