CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Madhya Pradesh government today imposed a ban on sand mining on the Narmada riverbed and formed a committee of experts to suggest measures to prevent ecological damage to the river, considered as the lifeline of the state.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Bihar government imposed prohibition in 2016, and is keen to make up lost alcohol-sale taxes by increasing its revenue from sand mining. Its sand policy is also intended to generate sustainable, local employment.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sand mining labourers in Andhra Pradesh. Credit: Rahul Maganti/PARI. Govt imposes ban on mining Assuring about a new sand mining policy from July 1, 2019, the state govt on June 11, 2019 imposed a ban on mining and transportation of sand for a fortnight.

Detailed explanation-4: -Illegal sand mining is an offence under the Indian Penal Code, Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The citizens can lodge a complaint/FIR with the concerned police station.

Detailed explanation-5: -The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday prohibited the Maharashtra government from granting permission for sand mining on the river beds. The green panel gave the decision following the state government’s inability to stop illegal sand-mining, especially the mining from the river bed using the suction pumps.