ED informs Madras HC: Illegal sand mining worth Rs 4,730 crore, only Rs 36.45 crore recovered

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has informed the Madras High Court that the illegal excess sand mined in the past 1-2 years in India is valued at Rs 4,730 crore ($645 million). However, the revenue recovered from these activities is only Rs 36.45 crore ($4.97 million). This information is based on a technical study conducted by the National Remote Sensing Centre.

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Title: Illegal Sand Mining in India: A Multi-Billion Rupee Scandal

Introduction (50 words):
Illegal sand mining has become a rampant issue in India, causing significant environmental damage and financial loss to the government. Recent findings presented by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) reveal the shocking extent of the problem, with the total sale value of illegally mined sand reaching a staggering Rs 4,730 crores in the past 1-2 years.

The Scope of the Scandal (150 words):
The ED, in its submission to the Madras High Court, has shed light on the vast difference between the revenue recovered and the actual value of the illegally mined sand. According to their findings, a mere Rs 36.45 crore has been recovered, accounting for less than 1% of the total value. This glaring disparity highlights the magnitude of the problem and raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing regulations and enforcement mechanisms.

Technical Study by the National Remote Sensing Centre (150 words):
To ascertain the extent of illegal sand mining, the ED relied on a technical study conducted by the National Remote Sensing Centre. Leveraging remote sensing technology, the study provided crucial evidence of widespread illegal mining activities across various regions in the country. The study’s findings have further reinforced the urgent need for stricter regulations and enhanced surveillance to curb this environmentally destructive and financially draining practice.

Environmental Impact and Erosion (100 words):
Illegal sand mining poses a grave threat to the environment, leading to the erosion of river banks, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of aquatic ecosystems. It also exacerbates the risk of floods in surrounding areas. The unregulated extraction of sand disturbs the natural balance, causing irreversible damage to riverbeds and adjacent areas. Additionally, the depletion of sand reserves has long-term consequences for construction and infrastructure projects that rely on this resource.

Government Response and Way Forward (100 words):
The ED’s findings have prompted the Madras High Court to demand a detailed report from the state government on the steps taken to combat illegal sand mining. The government must now consider stringent measures, such as deploying advanced surveillance technology and imposing hefty penalties on offenders, to deter illegal mining. Collaborative efforts with environmental agencies, local communities, and law enforcement agencies are essential for effective regulation and enforcement. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help educate citizens about the detrimental effects of illegal sand mining, fostering a sense of responsibility and collective action.

Conclusion (50 words):
The illegal sand mining scandal in India is not only causing massive financial losses but also wreaking havoc on the environment. The ED’s report serves as a wake-up call for the government and society at large, urging them to take immediate action to curb this destructive practice and safeguard India’s natural resources..

Source

@vijaythehindu said #Breaking #ED informs Madras High Court that the total sale value of illegal excess sand mined in the past 1-2 years comes to Rs 4,730 crores as against the recovered revenue of merely Rs 36.45 crore. Findings based on technical study conducted by National Remote Sensing Centre,… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…