India’s construction boom has led to a surge in demand for river sand, resulting in widespread illegal sand mining. This unregulated extraction has caused environmental degradation, including riverbank collapses and groundwater depletion. States like West Bengal, Kerala, and Rajasthan have reported significant illegal mining activities, with local communities and officials facing violent reprisals when opposing these operations. The sand mafia’s deep-rooted connections with political and administrative networks have complicated enforcement efforts, leading to a rise in crime and environmental issues across the country.
