(a) whether the Government has any mechanism to check and monitor the sand mining activities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof especially in Uttar Pradesh and North East;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the details of steps taken by the Government to control illegal sand mining activities?
THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)
(a) to (c): The State Governments are custodians of the minerals located within their respective boundaries. The States grant the mineral concessions under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957. For minor minerals, all policy and legislation for grant of mineral concessions, regulation and administration is covered in the jurisdiction of the State Governments under the MMDR Act and the Rules framed thereunder. As sand is a minor mineral under Section 3(e) of the MMDR Act, the information with regard to sand mining activities in the country is not centrally maintained.
(d): Section 23C of the MMDR Act, 1957 empowers the State Governments to make rules for preventing illegal