Delhi: Illegal sand mining continues unchecked, damage Yamuna

Delhi: Nearly 200 trolleys and 50 dumpers of sand are illegally mined in the national capital daily at multiple locations, including Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, despite clear directives from the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banning sand mining in Delhi, according to sources. However, Delhi Police officials deny any such illegal activities taking place in the city.

Sources claim that sand mafias are operating with impunity in the national capital as authorities turn a blind eye to their unethical practices. This unchecked mining is causing irreparable harm to the Yamuna floodplains and its ecosystem, further deteriorating the quality of the already polluted river.

As evidence, drone footage from Jagatpur reveals massive pits dug into the Yamuna floodplains, with sand extracted and prepared for commercial transportation. Similarly, video footage from Sonia Vihar shows a machine illegally installed in the river, extracting scores of tonnes of sand.

Sources claim that officials in charge of these areas are accepting hefty bribes from the sand mafia, allowing them to operate without hindrance. Furthermore, they claim that a nexus between higher officials and the sand mafias facilitates these illegal activities.

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Police deny allegations

Responding to the accusations, officials in Delhi Police told Patriot that they have inspected the areas but found no evidence of illegal sand mining.

“These allegations are baseless. We dispatched a team to investigate the sites where the alleged sand mining is taking place, but the team found nothing,” police sources stated.

Environmentalist raises alarm

Environmental activist Varun Gulati, however, asserts that illegal sand mining has thrived in the national capital for years with tacit approval from authorities.

Gulati wrote an email on March 7 to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, Chief Secretary Dharmendra, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, and other concerned authorities, attaching video evidence of illegal sand mining along the Yamuna banks.

In the email, Gulati stated that despite clear directions from the Supreme Court of India and the NGT, which have expressly prohibited sand mining in the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi, evidence shows that this illegal activity is still being carried out with impunity.

He further explained that for several years, he has been closely monitoring the situation and has found that illegal sand mining continues unabated, particularly in the areas near Sonia Vihar Police Station. He has provided specific locations and videos of these illegal mining operations on his Twitter (X) account, which show large-scale extraction of sand from the Yamuna floodplains. The footage clearly highlights a well-established nexus between officials and the sand mafia, suggesting that the illegal activity is being carried out with their tacit approval.

Gulati highlighted the repercussions of illegal sand mining, stating that this illegal mining not only causes irreparable damage to the Yamuna River and its ecosystem but also results in a significant loss of revenue to the state exchequer. Given the large monetary favours involved, it is evident that a vast network of corruption is at play, which requires immediate and thorough investigation.

He urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into illegal sand mining in the identified locations, particularly Sonia Vihar. He demanded strict action against officers and police personnel allegedly involved in facilitating or ignoring these illegal activities, immediate measures to halt illegal sand mining to protect the Yamuna River from further damage, and a transparent inquiry into the nexus between government officials and the sand mafia.

Town planner warns of severe ecological damage

Delhi-based town planner Pushkar Pawar warned of the environmental consequences of illegal sand mining. He stated that illegal sand mining is causing significant harm to the Yamuna River, leading to riverbank erosion, which destabilises surrounding areas and results in the loss of land, property, and habitats.

Pawar explained that sand extraction releases harmful sediments into the water, degrading its quality and disrupting the river’s natural habitats. This severely impacts aquatic life and biodiversity, leading to a decline in species dependent on the river. Excessive sand extraction also diminishes the river’s ability to recharge groundwater, exacerbating water scarcity in surrounding regions.

He urged authorities to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling the issue. This includes deploying satellite surveillance, drones, and on-the-ground monitoring to detect and prevent illegal sand mining. He stressed the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations with heavy penalties for violators and engaging local communities in monitoring and reporting illegal activities to enhance vigilance and accountability.

Regulation of sand mining through public auctions or transparent permit systems is also necessary to prevent illegal operations. Restoring damaged river ecosystems by planting vegetation along eroded banks and revitalising aquatic habitats is crucial. Collaboration with environmental organisations and experts can help develop sustainable conservation strategies. Promoting alternative materials such as recycled or manufactured sand will also reduce dependence on river sand.

Pawar also stressed the importance of environmental planners in mitigating the effects of illegal sand mining. He stated that they play a crucial role in developing sustainable land-use plans that prioritise conservation, conducting environmental impact assessments, and recommending feasible mitigation strategies. He added that they can also facilitate cooperation between government agencies, local communities, and private stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach to managing natural resources.

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The far-reaching impact of sand mining

Sand mining poses severe environmental, ecological, and social threats. It leads to riverbank erosion, disrupts natural water flow, and increases flood risks. The depletion of sand weakens riverbeds, endangering bridges and nearby structures. Aquatic ecosystems suffer as habitats are destroyed, leading to a decline in fish populations and biodiversity.

Groundwater levels also drop due to excessive extraction, worsening water scarcity in affected areas. Additionally, air and noise pollution from mining operations impact local communities, while unregulated mining fuels illegal activities and conflicts. In the long term, sand mining depletes a non-renewable resource, threatening sustainable development and environmental stability.

Environmental expert Bhim Singh Rawat described riverbed mining as one of the least understood factors behind the degradation of India’s river ecosystems. He explained that riverbed minerals, including sand, sediments, pebbles, gravels, and boulders, are integral to a river’s ecosystem. They play a huge role in river hydrology and ecology, increasing oxygen circulation and purifying water while providing habitats for aquatic life.

Rawat further stated that unsustainable mechanised mining annihilates river ecology, damages hydrology, and disrupts morphological processes. It robs rivers of their lean season flows, impacting potable water supply in cities like Delhi.

He explained that while the Delhi government has not approved any sand mines in Yamuna, illegal mechanised mining continues in Palla, Burari, and Sonia Vihar. The river’s boundary with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh has made enforcement challenging. Frequent complaints and court cases suggest that local administration and police officials are complicit, resulting in continual adverse impacts on the river ecosystem.

With evidence mounting against unchecked sand mining, environmentalists and planners are calling for immediate intervention to protect the Yamuna River and hold accountable those enabling its destruction.