The National Green Tribunal has set up checkpoints to stop the carts but most are unmanned. India 's rapid urbanisation as led to a surge in demand in sand for construction and beautification ; alongside there is now a rocketing illegal sand trading business . However , the quantities of sand being carted away are a crucial part of India 's coastal ecosystems which also protect their coastal towns from wind and waves . The sand on the shores and riverbeds are also rich in minerals that are essential for vegetation and farming in India . The high demand from industries for sand is leading to rising sea levels that threaten to engulf the coastal towns , particularly along the Tamil Nadu coast . For some townsfolk , the sand trade provides jobs and livelihoods , however for others it is destroying their towns , which has led to violent clashes between the residents .
India 's rapid urbanisation as led to a surge in demand in sand for construction and beautification ; alongside there is now a rocketing illegal sand trading business . However , the quantities of sand being carted away are a crucial part of India 's coastal ecosystems which also protect their coastal towns from wind and waves . The sand on the shores and riverbeds are also rich in minerals that are essential for vegetation and farming in India . The high demand from industries for sand is leading to rising sea levels that threaten to engulf the coastal towns , particularly along the Tamil Nadu coast . For some townsfolk , the sand trade provides jobs and livelihoods , however for others it is destroying their towns , which has led to violent clashes between the residents .