The Complexity of Sand Mining in Coastal Regions of India: Implications on Livelihoods, Marine and Riverine Environment, Sustainable Development, and Governance

Currently, there is a sprawl sand mining mainly due to the demand for construction materials. However, in most jurisdictions, several negative impacts of sand mining are evident but less reported especially in developing countries. This study used a systematic review method to fill this gap in literature to document the impacts of sand mining and its implications on sustainable development and governance with a focus on India. Findings documented increasing threats on the environment (marine, river channel and ecosystems) as well as on livelihood which grossly impacts Agenda 2030. To fill this gap, we recommended development of integrated sand mining management approaches and legal mechanisms from micro and macro levels. This could be through local governance actions/initiatives at micro levels. At macro-level, research in the use of alternative material to replace sand and designing of strong transnational governance mechanisms to monitor the sand mining value chains could be paramount.