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Sand Pumping in India: Overview, Challenges, and Regulations
Sand pumping (or sand mining) is the process of extracting sand from riverbeds, beaches, or other sources for use in construction, land reclamation, and industrial applications. In India, sand is a critical resource due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. However, uncontrolled sand mining has led to severe environmental and legal issues.
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## 1. Importance of Sand in India
– Construction Industry: Sand is a key ingredient in concrete and cement.
– Infrastructure Projects: Used in roads, bridges, and real estate.
– Coastal Protection: Sand pumping helps replenish eroded beaches.
– Economic Value: The sand mining industry employs millions but is often linked to illegal activities.
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## 2. Methods of Sand Pumping
(A) Riverbed Mining
– Dredging sand from riverbeds using suction pumps or excavators.
– Common 
states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
(B) Offshore/Beach Sand Mining
– Extracting sand from coastal areas (regulated due to ecological risks).
– Used for land reclamation (e.g., Mumbai’s coastal road project).
(C) Mechanized vs. Manual Mining
– Mechanized: Uses heavy machinery (dredgers, pumps).
– Manual: Labor-intensive (common in small-scale illegal mining).
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## 3. Environmental & Social Impacts
| Issue | Impact |
|——–|——–|
| Riverbank Erosion | Weakens embankments → flooding |
| Groundwater Depletion | Lowers water tables |
| Loss of Biodiversity | Destroys aquatic habitats |
| Soil Degradation | Reduces agricultural productivity |
| Illegal Mining & Mafia | Corruption, violence, and worker exploitation |
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## 4. Legal & Regulatory Framework
(A) Key Laws Governing Sand Mining
1. Environment Protection Act (1986) – Regulates sustainable mining.
2. Mines & Minerals Act (1957) – Requires licenses for extraction.
3. Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines (2016) – Issued by MoEFCC.
4. National Green Tribunal (NGT) Orders – Bans illegal mining in multiple states.
(B) State-Level Regulations
– Some states (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Gujarat) have strict licensing systems.
– Others face rampant illegal mining due to weak enforcement