GS Question

Coastal sand mining, both legal and illegal, indeed presents a significant threat to the environment, particularly along the Indian coasts. Sand mining involves extracting sand from beaches, riverbeds, and other coastal areas, leading to detrimental consequences for the ecosystem. Let's analyze the impacts of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples:

1. Erosion and loss of coastal ecosystems: Sand plays a crucial role in coastal processes, acting as a natural buffer against erosion caused by waves and storms. Excessive mining disrupts this equilibrium, leading to increased erosion and loss of coastlines. For instance, the Vembanad Lake in Kerala has experienced significant erosion due to sand mining, resulting in the decline of mangrove forests and reduced fish breeding habitats.

2. Damage to marine life: Coastal sand mining directly affects marine ecosystems and their biodiversity. The disturbance caused during mining activities can destroy coral reefs, seabed habitats, and breeding grounds for various marine species. In Tamil Nadu, the illegal mining of beach sand for minerals like titanium and rutile has adversely impacted sea turtles, specifically the Olive Ridley turtles that nest along the coast.

3. Altered river flow and sediment transport: Sand mining not only affects the coastal environment but also disrupts river systems. When sand is excessively extracted, it alters the natural flow of rivers, leading to increased sedimentation downstream. As a result, the downstream areas may face erosion, reduced water quality, and habitat degradation. The rampant sand mining in the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh has disrupted its ecosystem and adversely affected local communities and endangered species like the Ganges River Dolphin.

4. Groundwater depletion and saline intrusion: Sand serves as a natural recharge medium for groundwater and acts as a barrier against saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers. Excessive sand mining can disrupt the water table, leading to groundwater depletion and the intrusion of saline water into coastal aquifers. The coast of Karnataka has witnessed an increase in salinity in groundwater due to sand mining, affecting agricultural productivity and freshwater availability.

5. Disruption of coastal communities: Sand mining impacts not only the environment but also the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities. Many coastal populations rely on fishing, tourism, and agriculture, all of which are directly influenced by the health of the coastal ecosystems. The erosion caused by sand mining leads to the displacement of communities, loss of income, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones and tsunamis.

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including stricter regulations, better enforcement of existing laws, and sustainable alternatives to sand mining. Collaboration between government bodies, environmental organizations, and local communities is essential to promote responsible sand extraction and preserve the fragile coastal ecosystems of India.