Why is sand mining a problem?

Depletion of sand in the streambed and along coastal areas causes the deepening of rivers and estuaries, and the enlargement of river mouths and coastal inlets. It may also lead to saline-water intrusion from the nearby sea. Sand mining generates extra vehicle traffic, which negatively impairs the environment.

Why should we stop sand mining?

What are the main issues with sand mining? The volume being extracted is having a major impact on rivers, deltas and coastal and marine ecosystems, sand mining results in loss of land through river or coastal erosion, lowering of the water table and decreases in the amount of sediment supply.

How is sand mining bad for the environment?

Sand extraction has increased pollution and flooding, lowered groundwater levels, hurt marine life, and exacerbated the occurrence and severity of landslides and drought.

Why is black sand mining bad?

Black sand mining disturbs marine and coastal ecosystems and increases erosion and associated geohazards. This removal of material and associated erosion also likely results in land subsidence, which makes local communities particularly vulnerable to floods, damage from seasonal typhoons, and sea level rise.

How does sand mining affect rivers?

Excessive sand mining can alter the river bed, force the river to change course, erode banks and lead to flooding. It also destroys the habitat of aquatic animals and micro-organisms besides affecting groundwater recharge.

What effect does mining sand have on the river?

Unsustainable sand mining could result in riverbank collapse, deepening of river beds, sinking deltas and coastal erosion as well as biodiversity loss, especially when coupled with the impacts of dams and climate change.

Why is sand banned in India?

Steps Taken By Government Of India The main few features of illegal sand mining are, sand was being dredged illegally and operations were taking place during the monsoon mechanical dredgers and suction pumps which were deemed to be illegal were used .

Is sand mining illegal in India?

Illegal sand mining is a perennial problem in India . There are no official figures for the amount of sand mined illegally. But in the year 205-2016,there was over 19,000 cases of illegal mining of minor minerals, which include sand, in the country, said Piyush Goyal, former minister of mines.

How is uncontrolled sand mining from rivers and beaches harmful?

How does sand mining affect groundwater?

Apart from threatening bridges, sand mining transforms the riverbeds into large and deep pits; as a result, the groundwater table drops leaving the drinking water wells on the embankments of these rivers dry.

Why is river sand banned?

The High Court of Karnataka has upheld the order of the Department of Mines and Geology prohibiting sand extraction from rivers during rainy season. It observed that the ban was incorporated into the law for protecting the environment.

Is river sand mining illegal in India?

Illegal sand mining is an offence under the Indian Penal Code, Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The citizens can lodge a complaint/FIR with the concerned police station.