Two revenue officers in India were suspended April 9 following a departmental inquiry that uncovered their involvement in illegal sand mining.
According to The Times of India, the suspended officials in the Tumsar subdivision of Bhandara district were found complicit in the unauthorized sand excavation and hoarding activities across multiple sand ghats (the steps leading down to a river).
The government-led inquiry confirmed extensive sand mining was taking place without proper clearances, threatening local ecosystems and eroding public trust. The issue gained prominence after being raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, particularly following an incident where victims of a sand-dumper accident were denied compensation.
"Illegal sand mining and hoarding are grave violations. Wherever such activities infringe upon the rights of citizens and disrupt natural resources, strict action will follow. All officers must remain vigilant and act responsibly," said Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, per The Times of India.
Illegal sand mining is a pervasive issue in India, driven by the high demand for sand in construction and infrastructure projects. This unregulated extraction leads to severe environmental consequences affecting both people and animals, including riverbank erosion, habitat destruction, and groundwater depletion, as outlined in a press release by India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
For instance, in the National Chambal Sanctuary, illegal sand mining has endangered species like the gharial (fish-eating crocodiles) and disrupted the river's ecological balance, the Indiatimes reported.
Moreover, the sand mining industry is often controlled by "sand mafias," per The Free Press Journal: organized groups that operate with impunity because of corruption and weak enforcement of regulations. The mafias have been linked to violence, including attacks on activists and officials who attempt to curb illegal activities.
Addressing the challenges of illegal mining activities requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on awareness and smarter policy. Holding individuals accountable sends a signal, but supporting systemic change ensures lasting protection for people and the planet alike.
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