Archive · 21 Jul 2026
NGT Orders States to Regulate Sand Mining
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has told all states and Union Territories to make rules to stop illegal sand mining.
This mining is sometimes done under the cover of clearing sand from farm fields after the monsoon.
The NGT wants to use technology like satellites and AI to watch and control this.
The Supreme Court had earlier asked the NGT to look into this issue.
The Ministry of Environment has already made some suggestions, but the NGT wants each state to make its own rules.
The next hearing is on September 22.
NGT directed states and UTs to create a regulatory framework to prevent illegal sand mining.
Supreme Court in 2024 asked NGT to examine government notifications enabling sand removal from agricultural fields.
NGT suggested using advanced technology like satellite imagery and AI for monitoring.
MoEF&CC submitted an affidavit in 2026 with a framework after consulting all states and UTs.
NGT directed MoEF&CC to explore options with ISRO for using satellite imagery to monitor sand deposits.
- Who
- National Green Tribunal (NGT), Supreme Court, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), States and Union Territories
- What
- Directive to formulate a regulatory framework to prevent illegal sand mining disguised as farm clearing
- When
- Order dated July 17, next hearing on September 22
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent environmental damage and illegal mining activities
Environmental Protection
Agricultural and Economic Interests
Regulation of Sand Mining
Environmental Protection
Strict regulations are necessary to prevent environmental damage and illegal mining.
Agricultural and Economic Interests
Flexible regulations are needed to accommodate agricultural needs and economic activities.
- Date of Order
- July 17
- NGT Chairperson
- Justice Prakash Shrivastava
- Expert Member
- Afroz Ahmad
- Supreme Court Direction Year
- 2024
- MoEF&CC Affidavit Submission Year
- 2026
- Next Hearing Date
- September 22