Illegal sand mining with 50 submarines ravages Sindh river:Bhaskar reporter walked kilometers; poses as contractor to strike deal with submarine maker

Illegal sand mining is continuing beneath the flow of the Sindh river in Bhind district. As night falls, machines enter the river with loud noise, extracting sand from the depths using submarines and throwing it out. This is not occasional but happens daily, despite the administration and mining department claiming to monitor and prevent such activities. After receiving information, the Dainik Bhaskar team traveled several kilometers along the Sindh river banks to investigate. Read the report. See three pictures Mining ongoing at 37 sand mines Understand the game of sand mining in the Sindh river with three cases Case-1: Bilaw sand mine
The team first reached the Bilaw sand mine, where the Sindh river appeared normal from above, but illegal mining was actively underway inside. Two dredgers were operating, with activity intensifying at night. Large pits have formed wherever dredgers are used, with locals claiming depths of up to 200 feet. Sand is extracted using submarines and sent to the banks through pipes, then loaded into dumpers. Case-2: Indurkhi sand mine
The situation here was more serious, with five to six submarines operating about 100 meters apart. At the nearby Birauna sand mine, three to four submarines were also active. The area has become a stronghold of sand traders, with strict monitoring of outsiders. Locals said taking photos or videos is risky, and many avoided speaking on camera out of fear. Case-3: Khaira-Shyampura sand mine
Visible from the Mehda bridge, two submarines were seen in the Sindh river, one continuously active. Local strongmen reportedly dominate operations. The investigation found that the company holding the mining tender has an arrangement with these groups, sand is extracted using submarines, while the company deposits royalty on the sold sand, allowing illegal mining to continue in violation of NGT rules. Similar situation in 37 out of 72 mines
Bhind district has a total of 72 sand mines. Of these, 37 mines belonging to two groups are active, while 35 mines of another group remain closed due to court cases and agreement disputes. The investigation found that in most active mines, sand is being extracted using submarines. Submarines brought from UP districts
These submarines are mainly sourced from Jalaun and Hamirpur districts of Uttar Pradesh. Earlier, some were also manufactured near the Mandi area and Shyampura village in Lahar, Bhind, but that has now stopped. Currently, most submarines are being ordered from Hamirpur. Submarines made using stolen or scrap truck engines Hundreds of dumpers extracted overnight
Locals say one submarine operates continuously for around 12 hours, extracting nearly 10,000 cubic feet of sand. With about 50 submarines active in the Sindh river for 8–12 hours each night, an estimated 200 dumpers of sand are extracted overnight. Bhaskar struck a deal with the submarine manufacturer over the phone The Dainik Bhaskar team spoke to various people involved in this business. Most people shied away from appearing on camera. Then, the phone number (63********80) of a mechanic who builds submarines was found. The reporter spoke as a sand businessman. Read excerpts from the conversation A new submarine technology is now being used for sand mining in Bhind. These submarines have a special chamber, when its nuts and bolts are opened, the boat fills with water and sinks into deep water within about 30 minutes. During raids, if the submarine is not visible, officials often leave. After the team departs, the sand mafia retrieves the submerged submarine, replaces the engine oil, and resumes mining operations. Sindh river’s natural structure changing
Locals say large-scale sand mining through submarines is altering the Sindh river’s natural structure. Pits up to 200 feet deep have formed, leading to multiple incidents of villagers and cattle drowning. The river’s course is shifting, increasing soil erosion and turning nearby land into ravines. Aquatic life such as oysters, fish, turtles, and even crocodiles is being destroyed, with crocodiles sometimes killed to avoid obstruction in mining. Firing incidents and farmer protests
To create access routes to mines, farmers’ crops are often damaged. When they protest, goons have even opened fire. Recently, a clash between groups from Mehdha and Khaira-Shyampura villages over placing a submarine reached the police, and an FIR was registered. Officials claim action is being taken
District Mining Officer Pankaj Dhwaj Mishra says the department acts whenever information about submarines is received, citing recent action at Mehra and Remja mines. Probe ordered into complaints
State Mining Corporation MD Frank Noble A said complaints about submersible machines in the Sindh river will be investigated. The Collector will also probe the matter, and strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, including the mining company.