Topic– Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
4) Import of sand in India comes with its own benefits and limitations. Critically Comment.(250 words)
Why this question
The issue is related to GS- 3 syllabus under the following heading
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep and express our knowledge and understanding of the issue in terms of need to import sand, issues involved therein. Based on our discussion we have to form an opinion on the overall issue of allowing/regulating sand imports in India.
Directive word
Critically Comment- The question wants us to express our opinion on the issue. However the opinion has to be expressed after giving a proper context and discussion, which will substantiate our opinion.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention the sources of sand and their quality with respect to construction and mention the maiden year of riverbed sand imports in India- 2017 etc.
Body-
- Discuss the need for sand imports . E.g high demand from construction activities ( present some statistics regarding production and anticipated demand here) , which will increase in future, harmful effects of sand mining on ecology and economy as well as society (association with crime), etc. mention that the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 regulates the minor minerals, such as building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, ordinary sand and construction sand.
- Discuss the precautions that should be taken. E.g testing of quality before importing sand in India etc.
Conclusion– mention that india also needs to explore other alternatives like m-sand, Construction and Demolition waste (C&D waste), from the overburden of coal mines, which is the area above the coal seam that needs to be removed to carry out mining. Etc.