CRZ Clearance Missing: Navsari Sand Mining Allegations Trigger Major Probe Demand

Navsari : A serious allegation of large-scale environmental and regulatory violation has surfaced from Gandevi taluka in Navsari district, where activists and local stakeholders have claimed that dredging and sand mining activities were carried out for years without mandatory Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance or environmental approval. The controversy centres around Dholai village, Bigari village and Posari village, which fall under sensitive CRZ-I classification as per the CRZ Notification, 2019.

According to a written representation submitted on 11 June 2026, it has been categorically stated that “no CRZ permission and no environmental clearance were ever granted for dredging or sand extraction in these villages.” The complaint further alleges that despite this, stock registration for sand has been approved, raising serious questions over legality, revenue loss, and regulatory oversight.

“The entire operation appears to have been conducted in violation of CRZ norms. There is no public record of valid clearance for dredging in the last 10 years,” the representation states. It further adds, “Illegal commercial sale of sand and false stock registration has led to significant loss to the government treasury, and urgent legal action is required.”

The issue also refers to a government resolution dated 08 September 2017 issued by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, which mandates that PPP-based dredging operations must comply with all environmental regulations, including prior CRZ clearance. The complaint argues that these mandatory provisions were not followed in the present case.

Additionally, concerns have been raised over tendering procedures. As per the same resolution, dredging contracts are limited to an initial two-year period with a possible one-year extension only after approval. However, the representation alleges that no fresh tender process has been conducted in the affected villages for nearly seven years, suggesting possible procedural violations.

A senior complainant, while calling for action, stated: “If these allegations are verified, it would indicate not just procedural lapses but systemic misuse of environmental and administrative frameworks. A high-level investigation is essential.”

The representation has urged authorities to immediately suspend all suspicious activities, verify CRZ and environmental approvals, audit royalty and revenue records, and initiate legal proceedings against those responsible. It also demands recovery of financial losses incurred by the state exchequer.

Until official clarification is issued, the allegations continue to raise serious concerns over coastal regulation enforcement and transparency in sand mining operations in the region.