Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has lifted a nearly decade-long ban on river sand mining, aiming to balance economic needs with environmental responsibility. The ban, in place since 2016 due to ecological concerns, has been revoked following the formulation of detailed guidelines by the Revenue Department, in line with the Union Environment Ministry’s EMGSM 2020 and directives from the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal.
The revival of sand mining is expected to ease Kerala’s acute shortage of construction-grade sand and enhance the water-carrying and storage capacity of major rivers. A comprehensive sand audit conducted from 2021 to 2024 identified 16 rivers—including Bharathapuzha, Periyar, Pamba, Chaliyar, and Kadalundi—as suitable for regulated sand extraction. The report estimates a sustainable yield of 1.7 crore metric tons of sand across eight districts, potentially generating revenue exceeding ₹1,500 crore.
District Survey Reports (DSRs), prepared by the CSIR-NIIST, form the basis for environmental clearance and are to be updated every five years. DSRs for Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kollam have already received preliminary approval, while others like Kannur, Kasaragod, Pathanamthitta, and Ernakulam are under review.
To ensure environmental safeguards, sand mining operations will be closely monitored by district-level committees led by District Collectors. The initiative is not only expected to revive the construction sector but also support river conservation and strengthen Kerala’s economy through regulated and responsible resource management.
