Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Moradabad River Communities Face Sand Mining Hardship and Political Neglect
Many poor families living near Moradabad’s rivers catch fish and also collect sand to earn extra money.
They often carry the sand in bullock carts for contractors.
Some residents say the trade is illegal or poorly controlled, and that powerful people benefit more than the workers.
Government rules give river communities preference for mining leases, but residents say they lack the money to obtain them.
More than 100 huts were reportedly destroyed by flooding during heavy rain.
The government says it conducts raids against illegal mining and highlights Moradabad’s successful brass industry.
Brass merchants say their businesses face rising costs and problems with taxes and cash payments.
Political parties are trying to win support from fishermen, traders and other communities.
Local voters remain unhappy and say promises made during elections have not solved their problems.
Fishermen in Moradabad collect river sand for contractors, often earning about ₹500 a day.
Residents allege that sand mining is largely unregulated and that leases are controlled by businessmen or politicians.
River communities say monsoon flooding destroyed more than 100 huts and blame uncontrolled mining for worsening the damage.
Moradabad’s brass industry is economically important, but merchants cite GST, fuel prices and alleged cash-based financial practices as concerns.
The BJP and Samajwadi Party are competing for support ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
- Who
- Fishermen, bullock-cart workers, sand contractors, brass merchants, local political parties and Moradabad officials.
- What
- River communities are facing poverty, alleged unregulated sand mining, flood damage and competing political promises.
- When
- The report discusses conditions ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections; flooding mentioned in the report occurred on September 25 and 26.
- Where
- Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh, particularly along the Ramganga and Dhela rivers, Mandi Chowk and Bartan Bazaar.
- Why
- Residents cite limited livelihoods, difficulty obtaining mining leases, alleged political and business control of sand extraction, flooding, and dissatisfaction with government support.
River Communities and Opposition Critics
Government and BJP Supporters
Sand mining and enforcement
River Communities and Opposition Critics
Residents say businessmen and politically connected contractors use leases in community members’ names, pay workers little and conduct mining outside the rules.
Government and BJP Supporters
The district mining officer has previously said authorities conduct regular raids and seized gravel-loaded dumper trucks for alleged illegal mining.
Government performance
River Communities and Opposition Critics
Fishermen and Samajwadi Party representatives say authorities have neglected river communities, damaged huts and failed to provide traditional rights or adequate support.
Government and BJP Supporters
BJP representatives say the state and central governments provide good governance, law and order and consideration for every community.
2027 political contest
River Communities and Opposition Critics
Samajwadi Party leaders are seeking support through the PDA platform, while fishermen and some voters say they may shift away from established parties if they do not receive meaningful benefits.
Government and BJP Supporters
BJP representatives say the Samajwadi Party’s PDA strategy will not succeed and that voters will prioritize governance and law and order.
- Daily sand income
- Workers interviewed said they earn about ₹500 per day, while one resident said some workers receive ₹100 per sand-cart trip.
- River communities
- Fishermen and related communities mentioned include Mallah, Manjhi, Nishad, Kewat and Bind.
- Mining rules
- The report says Uttar Pradesh rules prohibit heavy equipment, favor certain river communities in lease allotments and ban even manual mining from June 10 to October 15.
- Flood damage
- Residents said more than 100 huts were destroyed or submerged after heavy rain on September 25 and 26.
- Moradabad industry
- The district administration website lists 600 export units and 9,000 industries, while the handicraft sector reportedly accounts for 40 percent of India’s handicraft exports.
- 2022 Assembly results
- The BJP won two of Moradabad district’s five Assembly seats, while the Samajwadi Party won three.
- Population and voting
- The report says Muslims make up more than 47 percent of Moradabad’s population of about 50 lakh and estimates the district’s Hindu and Muslim fishing community at about 2 lakh.