Riverbed sand mining
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Context: Environment clearance issued to as many as 60 mining areas has paved the way for legal mining of bajri (riverbed sand) in Rajasthan. The mining will start in almost all riverbeds of the State after the completion of necessary formalities.
- Sand is a minor mineral.
Background:
- In 2017, Supreme Court banned the sand mining activities in riverbeds until a scientific replenishment study was completed and the Ministry of Environment and Forest granted the clearance.
- The apex court later appointed a Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to look into the issue of illegal sand mining.
CEC recommendations:
- Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issue environmental clearance to all valid holders of letters of intent, within three months and without insisting on submission of the scientific replenishment report as a precondition.
- The replenishment study could be undertaken during the course of mining.
Impact of Sand Mining:
- Salinity: Depletion of sand in the river bed causes the deepening of rivers and estuaries, and the enlargement of river mouths, which leads to saline water intrusion.
- River erosion: The excess extraction of sand affects the normal course of the river. Any variation in the course of the river will either lead to river erosion in a few areas or will lead to flooding during monsoon.
- Affect Fishing industry: Due to rampant sand mining and ecological imbalance, fishing activity has declined in the Manguluru and fishermen are forced to take up alternative jobs outside their village.
- Loss of tree cover: Trees that come under the buffer zone are felled to facilitate the movement of vehicles to collect sand from the riverside.
- Affect species diversity: Sand mining during the monsoons affects the fish species as they lay eggs in the shores. Crabs, fishes has declined drastically at the coast of Karnataka.
Steps to tackle Sand Mining:
- Legal course: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) empowers state governments to make rules for regulating the grant of mineral concessions in respect of minor minerals and for purposes connected therewith.
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016.
- Grant of Environment Clearance for minor minerals, including sand and gravel, for mining lease of area up to 5 hectare will be done by the District Environment Impact Assessment Authority headed by the District Collector / District Magistrate.
- Several states have formed their own rules to regulate sand mining.
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