The Tamil Nadu government is grappling with significant challenges in regulating beach sand mining, a sector fraught with allegations of illegal activities and environmental degradation. Despite efforts to control unauthorized extraction, recent developments underscore the complexities involved.
In January 2025, the Madras High Court reserved its verdict on a long-standing case concerning illegal beach sand mining. Investigations revealed that approximately 1.5 crore tonnes of sand were mined illegally, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹5,832 crore to the state exchequer. The court-appointed amicus curiae provided these figures, highlighting the extensive nature of the illicit operations.
The state government has taken steps to address these issues, including issuing recovery notices totaling ₹3,500 crore to six firms implicated in illegal mining activities. These notices are based on assessments of royalty and the value of minerals extracted without authorization during specified periods. The implicated companies have the option to appeal the orders within a month.
Despite these measures, the enforcement of regulations remains a formidable task. The central government has emphasized that the responsibility for preventing illegal beach sand mining lies primarily with the state authorities. This stance was communicated to the Madras High Court, underscoring the need for robust state-level enforcement mechanisms.
The situation is further complicated by environmental concerns. In December 2024, the Madras High Court questioned the issuance of environmental clearances for beach sand mining in certain districts, reflecting ongoing judicial scrutiny over the environmental impact of these activities.
These developments highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by the Tamil Nadu government in regulating beach sand mining. Balancing economic interests with environmental protection and legal compliance requires comprehensive strategies and effective enforcement to mitigate the adverse impacts of illegal mining activities.
