Illegal sand mining remains a massive problem in Rajasthan, causing environmental damage and serious legal challenges. Despite efforts to crack down on this activity, mafia groups continue to extract and trade sand on a large scale. With 24 deaths linked to these operations and profits skyrocketing, authorities are under pressure to take firm action.
The Rajasthan High Court has intervened, granting the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) complete authority to investigate illegal sand mining. The court has also allowed the CBI to seek help from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or other states if needed, according to a report from News18 Hindi.
State agencies have been instructed to fully cooperate with the investigation. The court also dismissed an intervention plea from a former leaseholder. Justice Sameer Jain made these rulings during the bail hearing of Jabbar, an accused in a sand theft case.
Illegal Sand Mining Expands Across the State
The illegal extraction of sand has surged, particularly in areas like Deoli, Todarshingh, and Peeplu in Tonk district. Mafia groups collect sand near the Banas River and store it before the monsoon season. Trucks transport these stockpiles at night, showcasing the level of organisation behind this trade.
Reports indicate that sand is bought at low prices and sold much higher in urban areas. Alleged political connections have allowed these operations to continue despite government efforts to shut them down.
Heavy trucks carrying sand are often driven recklessly through narrow village streets, even near schools and crowded areas. This has raised safety concerns, as these vehicles frequently put lives at risk. Villagers have reported the issue, but their complaints often lead to blame-shifting among government departments.
24 Lives Lost in Rajasthan
Rajasthan has recorded almost 10,000 cases of illegal sand mining in the past five years. Including other types of illegal mineral extraction, transportation, and storage, this figure rises to over 44,000 cases. Bhilwara district has the highest number of incidents.
Violence linked to the sand mafia has claimed 24 lives, including members of the Border Home Guards. Unfortunately, compensation has only been provided to six of the affected families.
Between 2019 and August 2024, the state’s mining department registered 3,383 cases of illegal sand mining and issued fines for 2,580 of them. However, fines remain unpaid in 793 cases. Similarly, the forest department dealt with 7,291 cases of illegal mining in protected areas during the same period, imposing fines totalling ₹23.82 crore.
Sand Mafia Profits on the Rise
A report by News18 Hindi highlighted the massive profits earned by the sand mafia. Last year, near the Banas River, truckloads of 40-50 tonnes of sand were sold for ₹20,000-25,000 per trip, while larger trailers fetched ₹30,000-35,000. Initially purchased for ₹500-600 per tonne, the sand was later sold in cities like Jaipur and Kota at ₹1,500-1,600 per tonne, making it a highly profitable operation.
