From Pixels to Policy: Using Geospatial Technologies to Assess Sand Mining Regulations

Abstract. Sand mining is the practice of removing sand from lakes, rivers, and streams using various techniques, including dry and wet pool mining, bar excavations, skimming, and scalping. Excessive and illegal mining activities can lead to severe environmental hazards, including deforestation, water pollution, soil pollution, and air pollution. Fallacious mining practices can also lead to the exhaustion of resources on open lands and riverbeds. In this study, geospatial techniques have been utilised to investigate and audit sand mining practices surrounding a city in North India, where resources are extracted for the city's development. The present study was conducted with the objective of identifying unauthorised mining activities in allotted sites and nearby areas, mapping and verifying mining operations in relation to approved mining plans and environmental clearances, and estimating the minor minerals extracted at the mining site. Satellite images from Sentinel-2 and Google Earth, along with the lease area coordinates and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports for the site, served as the data sources for the research. Violations of the rules, such as flow obstruction, mining along riverbanks, and mining outside the lease area, were observed using remote sensing imagery. Further, the present study concludes that Satellite-derived analysis can provide a time- and cost-effective means of inspecting mining areas.