The Karnataka High Court has expressed significant concern over the detrimental effects of indiscriminate river sand mining on the state's water resources, particularly its impact on drinking water supplies. In response to these concerns, the court has directed the Karnataka government to implement a satellite-based imagery system to monitor real-time changes in riverbanks and sandbars across the state.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj emphasized the urgency of harnessing available technology to address the pressing issue of unauthorized and excessive sand mining. He noted that such practices have led to the drying up of rivers and, in some instances, the complete demise of these vital water bodies. This degradation poses a direct threat to the drinking water supply for residents, potentially leading to severe consequences in the future.
To combat this issue, the court has mandated the collaboration of several key state departments. The Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department, the Director of Mines and Minerals, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and the Principal Secretary of the e-Governance Department are instructed to work together. They are to seek assistance from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to develop and implement the proposed satellite-based monitoring system. This system aims to provide real-time feedback on any alterations to river boundaries and sand formations, enabling authorities to take swift and necessary action against unauthorized mining activities.
The court's directive came during the hearing of a petition filed by Bhagavant Alagur, who challenged an order by the Tashildar. The order had imposed a charge on Alagur's property, alleging that he had stored 2,904 metric tons of sand without the requisite permissions, purportedly mined from the Krishna River's riverbed. Upon reviewing the case, the court found procedural lapses, particularly concerning the service of notice to the petitioner. There was no acknowledgment of the notice being served, leading the court to grant Alagur one week's time to file a reply to the Tashildar's notice.
This initiative aligns with the court's broader efforts to regulate mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas. Previously, the Karnataka High Court imposed a ban on all mining activities within a 20-kilometer radius of the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam in Mandya district. The court expressed serious concerns about the potential threats posed by the use of explosives in mining operations near the dam. This ban applies to both existing mining licenses and those operations that had previously received court permissions. The prohibition will remain in effect until a comprehensive study by experts assesses the potential threats to the dam arising from mining activities.
In a related context, the High Court has also upheld orders from the Department of Mines and Geology that prohibit sand extraction from rivers during the rainy season. This measure is incorporated into law to protect the environment, acknowledging that unauthorized and indiscriminate river sand mining can lead to the drying up of rivers, thereby adversely affecting the drinking water supply for all human beings. Such ecological disturbances could result in severe consequences in the future.
The court's proactive stance underscores the critical importance of sustainable natural resource management. By leveraging technological advancements and enforcing stringent regulations, the Karnataka High Court aims to safeguard the state's water resources, ensuring the well-being of its residents and the preservation of its natural ecosystems.
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