IIT Kanpur in collaboration with National Mission for Clean Ganga, has completed a landmark scientific study on the geomorphic & ecological impacts of sand mining in India’s major rivers.

Led by Prof. Rajiv Sinha, Dept. of Earth Sciences, IIT Kanpur, the study uses satellite data, drone surveys & AI-based analysis to develop a science-driven framework for regulating sand mining.

Unveiled by Hon’ble Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Patil, the report calls for river-specific guidelines, hotspot management, and real-time monitoring to protect river ecosystems.

The initiative also proposes pilot projects in the Himalayan & Peninsular rivers and a Sand Mining Monitoring Module (SaMM) for nationwide implementation.

A major step toward sustainable, data-backed river management for India’s future.