The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released draft guidelines for Silica Sand Mining and Washing Plants and is inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders and the public.
This initiative follows an order dated November 29, 2024, passed by the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Devidas Khatri Versus Union of India & Ors. The NGT directed the CPCB to prepare detailed guidelines for silica sand mining and washing plants to be observed by statutory regulators while granting permissions and consents under the Water Act, 1974, the Air Act, 1981, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The NGT mandated the CPCB to circulate these guidelines pan-India within three months.
Silica sand, comprising quartz and quartzite, is an abundant mineral with wide industrial applications in glass, ceramics, foundries, and abrasives, among others. These guidelines aim to address the environmental concerns associated with its extraction and processing.
The CPCB has provided the draft guidelines which covering various aspects of environmental management related to silica sand mining and washing operations. These aspects include measures for pollution control, waste management, water conservation, air quality monitoring, and sustainable mining practices.
Stakeholders and the public are urged to submit their comments and suggestions by May 31, 2025, to the following email addresses:
- prasoon.cpcb@nic.in (Sh. Prasoon Gargava, Scientist ‘F’, IPC-II Division)
- vkupadhyay.cpcb@gov.in (Sh.Vinay K Upadhyay, Scientist ‘C’, IPC-II Division)
Alternatively, written feedback can be sent to:
Director & Divisional Head IPC-II Division Central Pollution Control Board Parivesh Bhawan East Arjun Nagar Delhi – 110032
