<p>Sand and gravel mining is a significant human activity essential for meeting the world’s infrastructure development and construction needs. This review compiles recent studies on the environmental and socio-economic effects of river sand and gravel mining. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for this study. The guideline emphasises thorough reporting of the review’s purpose and methodology, including research selection, data collection, data inclusion, exclusion and synthesis. This review highlights the problems and effects of sand and gravel mining using a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, specifically on the Indian context through the integration of detailed, region-specific case studies. Studies from all around the world that present an overview of the sand and gravel market, highlighting the main trends, production, export and import are included in this review. Riverbed morphological changes, habitat degradation, and alterations in aquatic biodiversity are among the physical and ecological effects examined. Hydrological effects include changes in river flow patterns, sedimentation, and water quality deterioration. Socio-economically, this practice can simultaneously offer and impede local economic advantages. Furthermore, the informal practices associated with sand and gravel mining can result in disputes, uncontrolled exploitation, and adverse socio-economic effects. Finally, a series of suggestions for developing a global agenda on sustainable sand and gravel extraction was provided for stakeholders’ informed decision-making in mitigating the challenges posed by river sand and gravel mining while fostering a harmonious coexistence between human development and nature.</p>