HC questions sand mining in Gondia sans environmental clearance

Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Tuesday issued notices to top state officials and a private contractor over allegations of illegal sand mining in Gondia district, where excavation occurred without mandatory environmental clearances.
A division bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi heard a PIL filed by local resident Rakesh Bhelave, who claimed that sand was being mined from unapproved ghats in direct violation of state directives and environmental norms. The court directed the Maharashtra Revenue and Forest Department secretary, Gondia collector, district mining officer, and contractor to respond by May 8.
According to the petition, on Jan 3, the state govt issued instructions to all collectors to halt the sand e-tendering process. Despite this, Bhelave alleged, mining continued at Kinhi and Patiltola sand ghats — locations that had not received environmental clearance.
The PIL notes that an e-tender issued on March 8, 2024, led to the contractor's selection as a successful bidder. A contract was signed with the district mining officer, stipulating that no sand was to be extracted without environmental approval. Yet, Bhelave contends, excavation began in several locations still awaiting clearance.
"The sand mining is happening at sites that are ecologically sensitive and not approved. This is in complete defiance of legal and environmental norms," said Bhelave counsel Rahul Kurekar.
The court was also informed of an FIR filed on March 12 and a separate complaint lodged by a farmer on March 28. Meshram reported crop damage due to dust from sand-laden tippers and said local agriculture was suffering. "Farmers are bearing the brunt of this reckless mining," his complaint noted.
The petition seeks a complete halt to mining in areas lacking environmental clearance, a record of administrative action on the FIR and complaint, and disciplinary proceedings against officials who allegedly authorised depot allotments to unapproved sites.
Of the 31 sand ghats in Gondia, only 18 have environmental clearances, the petition stated. The remainder continue to be used in violation of regulations, posing a threat to both local ecology and livelihoods.
Advocate Sangeeta Jachak appeared for the state. The case will next be heard on May 8.