IIT-Kanpur Survey to Assess Extent of Illegal Sand Mining, Says Tamil Nadu Government
On December 26, 2025, the Tamil Nadu government raised concerns regarding a survey conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur, which was commissioned by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to investigate alleged irregularities in sand mining within the state. The government has labeled the survey as “illegal,” asserting that IIT-Kanpur lacked the jurisdiction to operate in Tamil Nadu.
Background of the Survey
The ED engaged IIT-Kanpur to assess the amount of sand mined at 28 permitted sites during the period of October to November 2023. This initiative was part of a broader investigation into claims of large-scale illegal sand mining that purportedly resulted in significant financial losses to the state exchequer. According to the ED, the survey indicated that illegal mining activities exceeded permissible limits, estimating the value of excess sand mining over the years at approximately ₹4,730 crore, compared to the recorded revenue of ₹36.45 crore earned by the Tamil Nadu government.
Government’s Response
In response to the survey, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department of Tamil Nadu reached out to the Director of IIT-Kanpur for clarification regarding the survey’s legitimacy. The government sought details about the scientists involved and the basis for the assessment conducted along the riverbeds of Tamil Nadu.
Concerns Over Authorization
The Director of IIT-Kanpur, in his reply, stated that Professor Rajiv Sinha, who led the survey, had not been granted leave during the period the survey was conducted. This raised questions about the legitimacy of the survey, as it was suggested that Professor Sinha did not physically visit Tamil Nadu for the assessment, leading to claims that the report was “legally invalid.”
Allegations of Misconduct
The Tamil Nadu government further alleged that the survey was actually conducted by Terraqua Private Limited, a company founded by Professor Sinha and incubated at IIT-Kanpur. This led to questions about why the ED opted for a private company instead of utilizing IIT-Madras, which is based in Tamil Nadu.
Jurisdictional Issues
The Tamil Nadu government cited Section 6(1)(1A) of the Indian Institutes of Technology Act, 1961, to support its claim that IIT-Kanpur lacked the jurisdiction to operate in Tamil Nadu. This provision states that each IIT is designated to assist states and union territories within its specific zone, and may advise on technical matters referred to it within that zone. The government argued that an IIT-Kanpur incubated entity should not have conducted a survey outside its designated area without informing the relevant state authorities.
Drone Regulations Violations
In addition to jurisdictional concerns, the Tamil Nadu government alleged that the survey violated the Drone Rules, 2021. It was claimed that drones were operated without following the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). According to the SOP issued under the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017, and guidelines from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, prior permission is required before operating an unmanned aircraft system. The government asserted that no such permissions were obtained from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the local Collector, or the Superintendent of Police for the drone survey.
Legal Proceedings
The Tamil Nadu government has filed a status report before the Madras High Court, citing these communications and asserting that the survey report lacks legal validity. The report emphasizes that the alleged survey was conducted without proper authorization and raises serious questions regarding the integrity of the findings presented by IIT-Kanpur.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the IIT-Kanpur survey highlights significant issues regarding jurisdiction, authorization, and compliance with regulations in the context of environmental assessments. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of this case may have far-reaching effects on how such surveys are conducted in the future, particularly in relation to illegal mining activities and the protection of natural resources.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 2025 and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing situation regarding sand mining assessments in Tamil Nadu.
