As rivers in the Krishna and Bhima basins run dry due to delayed rainfall, illegal sand mining has surged, particularly at night. This activity poses significant challenges for authorities in Sangli and Solapur districts, who are ramping up enforcement efforts. Recent operations have led to the seizure of vehicles and illegally mined sand worth ₹15 lakh. Officials report that the lack of water has made sand deposits easily accessible, leading to unregulated extraction that threatens state revenue and river ecology. The Environment (Protection) Act is being considered for application against offenders. Local leaders have expressed concerns about the irreversible damage caused by illegal mining, with some areas witnessing the revival of rivers after successful crackdowns. To combat this issue, the state has recently implemented a Sand Policy, 2025, which includes the formation of dedicated flying squads at the taluka level for enhanced monitoring and enforcement.