Q: Highlighting the reasons and implications of the prevalence

of illegal mining in India, suggest a few measures to tackle it.

(200W, 10M)
Approach:
Introduction:

o Begin with an overview of illegal mining in India.

Body:

o Write some reasons and implications of the prevalence of illegal mining in India.
Also write some measures to tackle it.
Conclusion:

o Write a way forward.

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Answer:
Introduction:
Illegal mining is a persistent issue in India, particularly concerning minor minerals, often
leading to underestimated environmental impacts. Instances of illegal mining, including
dolomite, marble, and sand, are prevalent across states, highlighting the gravity of the
problem.

Body:
Reasons for Illegal Mining:

o Lack of Coordination: Inadequate coordination within the Ministry of Environment

and Forests has contributed to illegal mining and subsequent ecological damage.
o Insufficient Oversight: The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) has not conducted timely
checks, exacerbating the problem.
o Unclear Boundaries: Poorly defined boundaries of leased-out areas have facilitated
illegal mining activities.
o Delayed Renewals: Illegal mining persists due to delays in renewing mining permits,
attributed to late applications from mine owners and slow processing by regulatory
authorities.

Implications:

o Revenue Loss: States like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh have
suffered significant revenue losses due to unregulated mining activities and non-
payment of cesses.
o Environmental Damage: Excessive sand mining, for example, can alter river beds,
leading to changes in river courses, erosion, flooding, and habitat destruction for
aquatic life.
o Ecological Consequences: Illegal mining contributes to water pollution,
deforestation, soil degradation, and reduced agricultural productivity.

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 Measures:

o Enhanced Coordination: State governments and the IBM should collaborate more
effectively to align mining production with approved plans.
o Technological Solutions: Implementing satellite imagery, drones, IoT, and
blockchain technology can monitor extraction volumes, mining processes, and ensure
compliance.
o Closure and Security: Governments must ensure closed mines are properly secured,
and mining companies provide closure plans and financial guarantees before permits
are granted.

Conclusion:
India's technological advancements offer solutions to monitor and regulate mining
effectively. Leveraging these advancements can help curb illegal mining and mitigate its
environmental and social impacts, ensuring sustainable mining practices for the future.

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Q. Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of
the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of
sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples.
(200W, 10M)

Approach:
Introduction:
o Contextual Introduction.

Body:

o Discuss Coastal Sand Mining and impact on environment. Mention Coastal sand mining
example around Indian Coasts.

Conclusion:

o Way forward.

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Answer:
Introduction:
Sand mining, the extraction of sand from rivers, streams, beaches, and ocean beds, is a
global activity with significant environmental implications. India, according to the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is among the critical hotspots for coastal sand
mining, reflecting the severity of the issue.

Body:
Coastal sand mining has a profound impact on the environment:

1. Coastal Erosion: Sand mining alters coastal terrain, leading to erosion and the loss of
valuable coastal land.

2. River and Estuary Deepening: Depletion of sand from coastal areas deepens rivers and
estuaries, enlarging river mouths and coastal inlets.

3. Saline-Water Intrusion: Mining can lead to seawater intrusion into freshwater sources,
exacerbated by sea-level rise.

4. Wildlife Disturbance: Sand mining disrupts beach ecosystems, affecting wildlife

habitats.

5. Water Turbidity: Mining can create turbid water, blocking sunlight necessary for coral
reefs and causing fish die-offs due to oxygen depletion.

6. Increased Flooding Risks: Removal of natural barriers like beaches and sandbanks
increases the risk of flooding in coastal areas.

7. Environmental Damage to Other Ecosystems: Sand mining damages associated

ecosystems like wetlands, impacting biodiversity.

8. Loss of Storm Protection: Beach sand mining removes natural barriers that protect
against storm surges, increasing vulnerability to tropical cyclones and tsunamis.

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9. Societal Impacts: Sand mining affects livelihoods, public health, aesthetics, climate, and
infrastructure, posing a threat to society as a whole.

Coastal sand mining poses severe threats to Indian coasts:

1. In Periyasamypuram, Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu, the consequences are dire:

reduced fish catch, dried-up palm trees, brackish groundwater, and sea intrusion due
to mining activities.

2. Along the coasts of Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Ernakulam,

sand mining has led to seawater intrusion, coastal land inundation, and groundwater
salinization.

3. Olive Ridley sea turtles, nesting on beaches, face habitat loss due to sand mining.
The disturbance of nesting sites threatens the survival of hatchlings.

4. Rampant sand mining in Karnataka accelerates coastal erosion, compelling the

government to invest significant funds in erosion prevention measures.

5. Legal and illegal sand mining alike wreak havoc on coastal ecosystems. The National
Green Tribunal imposed a hefty fine of Rs 100 crore on the Andhra Pradesh government
for failing to curb illegal mining activities, underscoring the gravity of the issue..

Way forward:

o Better spatial planning and reducing unnecessary construction is need of the hour.
o Using green infrastructure, adopting recycled and alternative substitute materials such
as oil palm shell, bottom ash, strictly adhering to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), etc.
can help in reducing coastal sand mining.
o Also strengthening standards and best practices to curb irresponsible extraction.
o Investing in sand production and consumption measurement should be adopted at
policy level.

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Conclusion:
It is imperative for state governments to enforce sustainable mining quantities to prevent
over-extraction. Strict measures must be in place to regulate sand mining and protect coastal
ecosystems for future generations.

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