Illegal sand mining in Madhya Pradesh

Illegal sand mining in Madhya Pradesh is a serious law & order and environmental issue.^[1] It is a flourishing unlawful practice because of the nexus between mining mafia and politicians. The illegal miners pay a hefty amount to politicians during elections. Many people, including police officers and activists, have lost their lives while trying to check it.^[2][3] In February 2017, it became a major political issue when the company of nephew of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was caught in illegal mining. The state government landed in an embarrassing situation because at the same time Chief Minister was touring Naramda to assess the condition of the riverbed.^[4]

Impact on Narmada

In Sanskrit, Narmada means “the Giver of Pleasure”. It is the fifth largest river in Indian subcontinent spanning across 1312 km and forms the boundary between North India and South India. It is also one of the seven most sacred rivers as per the ancient Indian texts. It primarily flows through Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and briefly through Maharashtra. The river Narmada is the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and due to rampant illegal mining, its existence is in danger. According to the experts, sand mining is adversely affecting the river’s groundwater and destroying the habitat of biodiversity. As per the Union Government of India, mining is the biggest problem for Narmada and it can be saved only if the mining stops.^[5] In December 2016, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the state government would consult experts and environmentalists to decide on banning of sand mining in Narmada.^[6]

Efforts of National Green Tribunal

The case of illegal mining was under the purview of High Court. But in July 2015, it was transferred to National Green Tribunal (NGT). Following a formal complaint filed by Medha Patkar, a renowned social activist of Narmada Bachao Aandolan, NGT appointed a team to investigate the matter. After a detailed field inspection, the team submitted a report consisting details of illegal mining and violation of various environmental norms in Madhya Pradesh. Medha Patkar had also submitted the list of influential people and politicians to the Tribunal who were involved in this illegal activity.^[7] Thereafter, the Tribunal directed the state government to take the strong measures and report the progress.^[8]

Attacks by sand mining mafia

• January 31, 2012 – Rajkumar Varsare, a mining inspector was severely assaulted by the people of BJP leader Hamir Singh Patel. Subsequently, the politician was arrested and sent to judicial custody.^[9]
• March 8, 2012 – An IPS officer Narendra Kumar was killed when he tried to stop a tractor loaded with illegal mined stones.^[10] The wife of slain police officer, an IAS officer, alleged that local mining mafia assassinated her husband as he was taking concerted efforts to stop the corrupt practice.^[11] Ex-BJP MLA Gajraj Singh blamed local authorities for their failure to curb the illegal trade.^[3]
• April 19, 2-12 – An attempt on life of a woman revenue woman officer was made by the people of a BJP leader.^[12]
• April 5, 2015 – A police constable who was a part of the police team that had been chasing truck carrying illegal mined sand was killed. The truck lost control and crushed him.^[13]
• June 4, 2015 – A woman mining officer and her team of eight home guards were attacked in Shajapur.^[14]
• June 19, 2015 – A journalist named Sandeep Kothari was kidnapped, strangulated and then set on fire. He was being pressured to withdraw the case of illegal mining that he had filed.^[15]
• October 12, 2015 – Social activist Medha Patkar claimed that people of mining mafia were threatening the activists of dire consequences if they do not stop pursuing the case of illegal mining.^[16]
• March 6, 2016 – A forest guard was killed when he tried to stop a trolley carrying illegal mined. The vehicle fell on him.^[17]

Politics

Due to the serious nature of the issue, illegal sand mining has been a contentious issue between the government and opposition. Ex-Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh highlighted the reasons behind illegal mining and accused the BJP government of being a beneficiary of it.^[18] The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh landed in an embarrassing situation when its own lawmaker accused the government, administration, and police of being involved in the illegal sand mining. He alleged that police take Rs. 2,000 per truck and the collected money was distributed among the officials.^{[19] [20]} The opposition had also written a letter to the Prime Minister of India and leveled serious charges against the relatives of Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan.^[21]

References

• http://mpenvis.nic.in/index1.aspx?lid=1049&mid=4&langid=1&linkid=702