Respect The River, Don't Treat It Like A Quarry, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Sand is the second-most exploited natural resource globally after water, with unregulated extraction posing a significant environmental challenge in India.
• The Supreme Court has criticized state governments multiple times since 2023 for their failure to control illegal sand mining.
• A substantial 40% deficit in sand supply for India's construction sector contributes to the non-implementation of court directives.
• The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has proposed a three-year roadmap to gradually eliminate sand extraction from active river channels.
• The CEC also recommended desilting dams and reservoirs and identifying alternative sources to reduce reliance on river sand.

Sand Mining.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• Unregulated sand extraction leads to deepening and widening of riverbeds, destabilization of riverbanks, altered natural water flow, and increased downstream erosion.
• Desilting helps clear blockages in water bodies, improving water flow during heavy rainfall and potentially replenishing reservoir capacity.
• Sediments are vital for maintaining the health of downstream river ecosystems, necessitating a cautious and scientifically backed approach to desilting.
• A 2022 committee, headed by B.K. Mittal, concluded that large-scale desilting is technologically and economically unviable, suggesting it only for specific river sections based on scientific studies.
• The CEC has requested the Jal Shakti Ministry to establish a national framework detailing reservoir-specific sediment availability, financial mechanisms, and environmental safeguards.
• The underlying message of the CEC's proposals emphasizes treating rivers as ecological entities rather than mere quarries, balancing development needs with environmental preservation.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Central Empowered Committee (CEC): An advisory body to the Supreme Court of India on matters concerning forests and environmental protection.
• Desilting: The process of removing accumulated silt and sediment from water bodies like rivers, dams, or reservoirs to restore their capacity and flow.
• Illegal Sand Mining: The unauthorized extraction of sand from riverbeds, coastal areas, or other sources, often violating environmental laws and regulations.
• Jal Shakti Ministry: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for water resources, river development, and the rejuvenation of the Ganga.