Sand mining, Alappuzha, Kerala State, India. Photo source: ©© Christopher Macsurak
Excerpts;
Maharashtra’s creeks and the Konkan coast are falling prey to the sand mafia, which carries out its illegal activities with the blessings of local politicians. The builders’ lobby has a huge interest in sand got through the dredging, as the material is then sent to cities where it is used in construction. Illegal sand mining is estimated to have an annual turnover of Rs 1,000 crore, according to activists tracking the trade.
Sand mining had come to a near standstill last year after the Bombay High Court banned it…
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