Buried in Sand: Understanding Precarity in the Context of the Political and Criminal Economy in India

Abstract

As the world population grows and countries become more urbanized, the demand for sand is more prominent than ever. However, this seemingly infinite resource is being exhausted beyond its natural rate of renewal; we are running out of sand. The limited supply of sand has resulted in illicit sand trading globally, spawning gangs and mafias in a lethal black market. Through the nexus of politics, business and crime, India has demonstrated to be the most extreme manifestation of the global sand crisis. This paper will offer insight into the under-researched area of precarity surrounding the sand trade in the context of political criminality in India. By adopting an integrative approach to precarity, the analysis will review the direct and indirect impacts on livelihoods and local communities. The findings highlight how the collusive relations between the sand mafia and state authorities perpetuate a cycle of precarious labour and social-ecological conditions. To conclude, I will explore recommendations on how to address the implications of sand mining as a global community.