Gujarat fisherfolk body seeks cancellation, review of sand mining clearances in Narmada

By A Representative 

The Bharuch District Fisherfolk Association has submitted a formal representation to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Gujarat Pollution Control Board, and the District Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (DEIAA) of Bharuch, Narmada and Vadodara, seeking a review and cancellation of Environment Clearances (ECs) granted to sand mining leases located within the active flow of the Narmada river.

In its application, the association has alleged that several sand mining leases were granted or renewed based on outdated maps, some dating back to 1995, without verifying the current ground situation. According to the representation, changes in the river’s course over the years have resulted in several lease areas now falling within the river’s active channel, where sand mining is prohibited under environmental laws and guidelines.

The association has claimed that EC renewals were granted despite the fact that certain leased lands have already been eroded or submerged due to river flow, and that revenue records such as 7/12 and 8A extracts were not updated to reflect the loss of land. It has argued that the continuation of ECs on such non-existent or in-stream land parcels is illegal.

The submission further alleges that illegal sand extraction using dredging machines mounted on barges and mechanised boats is continuing in the Narmada river, including at night, causing environmental damage, riverbank erosion and safety risks. It has claimed that hundreds of such mechanised boats are operating without proper registration, and that river flow has been obstructed at some locations by permanent structures.

Referring to the Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines, 2016, the Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines, 2020 issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and various orders of the National Green Tribunal and High Courts, the association has stated that sand mining within the active river channel is not permitted.

The association has also raised concerns over reported drowning incidents and accidents linked to sand mining activities and transport, and alleged delays in providing alternative livelihoods to fishermen affected by river-related projects.

Among its key demands, the association has sought:

- A review and cancellation of all ECs for sand mining leases presently located within the active flow of the Narmada river;

- Physical verification of lease areas based on current maps and ground conditions before any fresh EC approvals;

- Updating revenue records for lands lost to river erosion as per legal provisions; and

- Review and cancellation of ECs issued on the basis of outdated maps or incorrect land records.

Copies of the representation have been sent to the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, senior state ministers, central and state pollution control boards, district collectors, police officials and the Gujarat Maritime Board.