- Environmental groups in Kerala have strongly opposed the state government's decision to permit sand mining across 17 rivers. - Critics warn that large-scale river sand mining will severely degrade river ecosystems, lower water tables, and disrupt local hydrological cycles. - The move highlights the ongoing friction between developmental and commercial demands for construction aggregate and critical environmental conservation needs. - **Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act:** An Indian legislation that governs the development and regulation of mines and minerals under Union control, classifying sand as a minor mineral and empowering state governments to frame rules for prevention of illegal mining. **Introduction** Environmentalists in Kerala have raised strong concerns over the state government's move to permit sand extraction in 17 rivers, citing severe ecological threats to river ecosystems, water security, and local geomorphology. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - Environmental groups in Kerala have strongly opposed the state government's decision to permit sand mining across 17 rivers. - Critics warn that large-scale river sand mining will severely degrade river ecosystems, lower water tables, and disrupt local hydrological cycles. - The move highlights the ongoing friction between developmental and commercial demands for construction aggregate and critical environmental conservation needs. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act:** An Indian legislation that governs the development and regulation of mines and minerals under Union control, classifying sand as a minor mineral and empowering state governments to frame rules for prevention of illegal mining.