Introduction
Illegal sand mining poses a significant challenge in India due to the decentralized governance of minor minerals under state laws, leading to inadequate coordination and monitoring mechanisms among states.
Impacts of illegal sand mining in India:
- Biodiversity Threat: The National Chambal Sanctuary faces endangerment from illegal sand mining, putting the habitat of the gharial at risk.
- Groundwater Depletion: Illicit sand mining contributes to the depletion of the groundwater table, exemplified by severe water stress in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana.
- Flood Risks: Sand mining renders rivers shallow, increasing the risk of floods, as observed in the illegal sand mining along the Kosi River in Bihar.
- Agricultural Land Loss: Sedimentation resulting from illegal sand mining encroaches upon fertile lands, as seen in the Tapi floodplains.
Effective strategies:
- Sustainable Mining Focus: Adherence to the Sustainable Sand Mining Management 2016 framework to prioritize sustainable practices.
- Sand Mining Framework: Implementing the Sand Mining Framework by the Ministry of Mines to incorporate best practices for sustainable mining.
- E-Auction System: Adoption of e-auction systems for sand, promoting transparency through a competitive bidding process.
- Alternative Sand Sources: Encouraging the use of alternatives like M-sand to reduce dependence on natural sand.
- Technological Solutions: Utilizing satellite-based monitoring to map and identify illegal sand mining hotspots.
- Data Collection: Mapping sand deposits through comprehensive data collection efforts.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Public Participation: Integrating EIA processes and public participation in decision-making.
- Learnings from AP Model: Emulating the Andhra Pradesh model, incorporating GPS tracking and satellite imagery to prevent illegal sand transport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing the issue of illegal sand mining in India requires a comprehensive approach, incorporating regulatory frameworks, technological solutions, and community engagement to ensure sustainable management of this valuable resource.
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