MP: Congress alleges illegal sand mining in Narmada despite monsoon ban

Bhopal, July 4 (IANS) Former Madhya Pradesh Congress president Arun Yadav on Saturday alleged that illegal sand mining was continuing in the Narmada River despite a state-wide monsoon ban, even as enforcement agencies are supposed to intensify patrolling along riverbanks during the rains.

In a post on his official X account, Yadav shared videos and photographs and claimed that mining activities were underway at Babri–Jajan village in Sehore district’s Budhni Assembly constituency.

He alleged that sand was being extracted from the river through “panna doobis” in violation of official orders.

The Congress leader’s charges come amid heightened scrutiny of illegal mining in the state during monsoon. Under mining rules, sand excavation in riverbeds is suspended from June to October due to rising water levels and ecological risks.

During this period, district administrations are mandated to step up monitoring to prevent bank erosion, damage to aquatic life and increased flood risk.

Questioning the state government, Yadav asked whether the alleged mining mafia enjoyed political patronage. “Has the mining mafia been given protection by the government? If not, why has the administration remained silent?” he wrote on his social media account.

He demanded immediate action to stop the alleged illegal mining and urged the government to initiate strict legal action against violators to safeguard the Narmada River.

The allegations are significant as the Sehore district administration had already imposed a complete prohibition on sand mining. According to an order issued by Sehore District Collector Balaguru K, sand mining at all approved sand quarries in the district has been prohibited from midnight on June 26, and the restriction will remain in force until October 1, 2026.

The administration said the seasonal ban was imposed in accordance with mining regulations to ensure public safety and protect river ecosystems during the rainy season.

The Narmada, considered the lifeline for more than 33 per cent of Madhya Pradesh’s population, flows through several districts including Sehore.

–IANS

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