This study examines the complex challenge of sand mining in the transboundary Mahakali River Basin shared by India and Nepal. Adopting a basin-level perspective, it reviews the regulatory frameworks governing sand extraction, documents current mining practices and trends in both upstream and downstream areas, and identifies key obstacles to sustainable management of this critical river resource. The findings aim to inform policymakers and stakeholders on the need for coordinated, cross-border approaches to tackling the social, ecological, and economic impacts of rampant, often illegal, sand mining in the region.