Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps)
Q2. “Illegal sand mining has emerged as a major threat to river ecosystems in India”. Analyze the factors driving illegal sand mining and its implications for sustainable river management. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question:
Villagers join hands against illegal sand mining along Assam-Meghalaya border.Key Demand of the question:
Analyze the drivers behind illegal sand mining. Examine its implications for river ecosystems and sustainable management. Propose solutions to address the issue.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Define illegal sand mining briefly, linking it to the environmental degradation of river systems in India.
Body:
- Factors Driving Illegal Sand Mining: Suggest points such as high demand for sand in construction, weak regulation, corruption, and socio-economic dependence in affected regions.
- Implications for Sustainable River Management: Suggest points covering riverbed degradation, biodiversity loss, disruption of natural water flow, and increased vulnerability to floods and erosion.
- Solutions: Suggest measures like stronger regulatory enforcement, technological monitoring (e.g., satellite imagery), promoting alternatives (manufactured sand), and involving local communities in sustainable management efforts.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the urgent need for a balanced approach that addresses both development needs and environmental sustainability, calling for stricter enforcement and long-term policy measures for river conservation.
