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India’s new sand mining regulations aim to mitigate environmental damage by enforcing strict extraction limits and requiring comprehensive impact assessments. The guidelines also utilize advanced technology to monitor compliance and protect ecosystems while addressing high demand.

In a bold move to tackle the escalating environmental crisis caused by sand mining, the Indian government has reinforced regulations under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The revised guidelines aim to balance the demand for this crucial minor mineral with the pressing need to protect India's rivers and ecosystems.

Sand, categorized as a minor mineral, has seen increased scrutiny due to its crucial role in construction and other industries. However, illegal sand mining has wreaked havoc on the environment, causing riverbed degradation, loss of aquatic habitats, increased turbidity, and soil erosion. The unchecked extraction has also led to depletion of water tables, flooding, and severe impacts on local ecosystems.

To combat these issues, the Ministry of Mines has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines. The Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines, 2016, alongside the Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining (EMGSM), 2020, set out strict protocols for sustainable extraction. The Environmental Clearance process, managed by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), now includes rigorous checks on extraction limits, environmental impact, and compliance with approved mining plans.

Under these new guidelines, sand mining operations must adhere to specific conditions such as extraction volume limits and depth restrictions, determined by the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). The guidelines are designed to ensure that mining activities do not exceed the natural replenishing capacity of river systems and do not harm public infrastructure or local ecosystems.

The Ministry has also emphasized the importance of District Survey Reports, which are critical for obtaining environmental clearance. These reports, updated every five years, will guide the assessment and approval of sand mining projects. The use of advanced technology, including aerial surveys, remote sensing, and GIS applications, is now mandated to monitor and control mining activities.