IIT-Kanpur survey to assess extent of sand mining was illegal, says T.N. govt.

Key Highlights

• The ED had engaged IIT-Kanpur as part of its probe into alleged large-scale irregularities in sand mining and resultant loss to the State exchequer.
• The institute was tasked with assessing the quantum of sand mined at 28 permitted sites during October-November 2023.
• Based on the survey report, the ED alleged that illegal mining beyond permissible limits had taken place and estimated the value of excess sand mining over the past several years at ₹4,730 crore, as against the recorded revenue of ₹36.45 crore earned by the State government.
• Seeking to refute the allegations, the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department, wrote to the Director of IIT-Kanpur seeking clarifications, including whether Professor Rajiv Sinha, who led the survey, was authorised to undertake it, sources said.
• In his reply, the IIT-Kanpur Director stated that Prof.