50 villages in Bhind face displacement crisis:Sand mafia alters Sindh River’s course, widening its banks

Around 50 villages along the Sindh River are facing displacement as large-scale illegal sand mining reportedly changes the river’s course and threatens human settlements in Bhind district. In villages like Bharoli, silence dominates the streets during the day. Many houses are locked, while some remain open but abandoned. Cracked walls and scattered belongings indicate sudden migration. The village, once home to nearly 5,000 people, is now witnessing mass exodus, with more than half the population either leaving or preparing to leave. River shape altered by intensive sand mining Locals and field reports suggest that the river’s natural flow has been drastically altered due to continuous sand extraction. Deep pits, stagnant water, and large sand mounds have changed the river’s structure. Previously, the river flowed centrally, keeping villages safe. Now, it has widened and shifted toward settlements, causing severe erosion of land, farms, and homes. Read the full report… Allegations of submarine mining operations Residents allege that sand is being extracted using heavy machinery and underwater methods, creating deep excavations of up to 200 feet. They claim mining operations continue at night, with sand transported through pipelines and loaded into trucks. Fear of armed men allegedly prevents villagers from resisting. Parliamentary concern raised The issue was recently raised in Parliament by Bhind-Datia MP Sandhya Ray, who alleged large-scale illegal sand mining using underwater equipment and its impact on villages. Her statement triggered administrative responses, with claims of enforcement action by mining authorities, though ground conditions remain unchanged. Migration driven by erosion and flooding Former village head Sant Kumar Singh said people are forced to leave as living conditions have become unsafe due to erosion and frequent flooding. Many families are relocating to higher ground or nearby forested areas. Villagers say the river is not naturally changing—it is being altered by mining activity. Fear and silence in villages Locals allege that armed groups involved in sand extraction intimidate villagers, preventing protests. According to residents, even firing incidents have occurred in the past. Another resident said the river, once known for its aquatic biodiversity, has now lost its ecosystem due to excessive mining. 50 villages affected across river belt The impact spans over 50 villages including Bharouli, Musawali, Goram, Khairoli, Barethi, Bachraitha, Nivasi, Madhaiyan, Birona, Indurkhi, and Kachhar. Many families have already shifted to higher land or nearby ravines. Understand why migration is happening with these 3 pictures Officials and political response Mining operations in the region are reportedly handled by companies such as RSI Stone World Private Limited and Narmada Mining and Minerals. Authorities state that out of 72 sand mining sites, 37 are active while 35 remain closed due to legal cases. MP Sandhya Ray said investigations will be conducted and action taken against those found guilty. A river in crisis Once a lifeline, the Sindh River is now seen by locals as a source of crisis. Continuous mining, shifting water flow, and repeated flooding have forced communities to abandon ancestral homes. Residents fear that without intervention, entire villages along the river may eventually disappear from the map.