Sand mining resumes with 1.5 metre cap, easing shortage in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: With new riders in place, including a strict cap of 1.5 metres on mining depth, bajri (sand) extraction has been permitted in Rajasthan, offering relief to the construction sector long hit by shortages.

The State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority has granted environmental clearance to two mining leases in Bhilwara district's Sawai Pur tehsil, approving proposals submitted by Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML). The move is expected to ease supply constraints in Jaipur, Ajmer and Bhilwara, which have faced acute shortages following the high court ban.

According to the clearance, two major leases near Sopura, Adsipura and Akola villages — spanning 76.77 hectares and 67.70 hectares — have been approved for sand mining in the Banas river. These leases are likely to produce lakhs of tonnes of bajri annually, improving availability and helping curb illegal mining.

A senior official said the clearance comes with strict conditions. “Mining depth has been capped at 1.5 metres, reduced from the earlier proposed 2.15 metres to protect groundwater. Contractors and the mining dept must ensure that water levels in nearby wells do not decline, with affidavits submitted to this effect,” the official said.

Authorities have also mandated plantation drives and dust-control measures alongside mining operations. While two leases were cleared after detailed deliberations, a third remains pending due to gaps in documentation, including the need for a comprehensive plan on silicosis prevention and pollution control.

The development follows last year's Rajasthan high court order cancelling the auction of bajri blocks in Bhilwara and Tonk, which led to the scrapping of 93 plots. The state govt subsequently announced allocation of three leases to RSMML in the budget. Of these, two have now received environmental clearance, while one remains under review.

Experts, however, flagged concerns, noting that as per mining rules, once a lease period ends, no mining activity should be permitted in the same area for five years to allow natural replenishment. The high court had directed the state to prepare a comprehensive report on reclamation and replenishment of gravel at the affected sites.

Pradeep Singh said, “In the same river, the govt has allotted these leases. Either the govt should approach the court to allow these leases, or examine them under the same norms.”
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