The State Government of Madhya Pradesh has put an indefinite ban on the sand excavation in the Narmada River.
This announcement has been made by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Bhopal. The government has also set up a committee to suggest the scientific ways of mining the rivers.
This committee will submit the report to state government after exploring ways for sand excavation without harming rivers. The government will also promote manufactured sand (made by mixing stones).
Illegal sand mining is one of the serious law & order and environmental issues in several states of India including Madhya Pradesh.
The business has flourished mainly because of nexus between sand mafia, officers and politicians.
Many people including police officers and activists have lost their lives while making attempts to check this illegal activity.
The Chief Minister was has been travelling along side Narmada River to make “Save Narmada” a people’s movement through his “Namami Narmada Yatra”.
The issue of illegal mining in Narmada was sub-judice in state High Court but in July 2015, it was transferred to National Green Tribunal. On the basis of a complaint by Medha Patkar (of Narmada Bachao Aandolan), the NGT had sent a team to investigate the matter.
After investigation, NGT had directed state government to take strong measures and report the progress.
Narmada River: Know More- Narmada (bringer of pleasure), is one of the largest rivers of India, originating in Amarkantak Hills and flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
- It is third biggest river after Ganga and Godavari to flow within political boundaries of India.
- It flows in a rift valley between the Satpura and Vindhya Ranges; and serves as lifeline of Madhya Pradesh.
- Its basin covers large areas in the 3 states of Madhya Pradesh (86%), Gujarat (14%) and a smaller area (2%) in Maharashtra.
