Context:- The Wildlife Justice Commission’s recent report shed light on instances of violence linked to opposition against illegal sand mining. Sand mining is an environmental crime linked to violence. Learn more in the Wildlife Justice Commission’s report & the National Chambal Sanctuary in India, where sand mining is threatening endangered species.

Overview:

In a significant move, The Wildlife Justice Commission categorized sand mining as an environmental crime, emphasizing its adverse effects on water bodies and biodiversity. Globally, an estimated 40-50 billion tonnes of sand are extracted each year. This highlights a lack of comprehensive treaties or policies to regulate this activity.

Ecological Impact of Sand Mining:

Excessive sand mining can alter the river bed, force the river to change course, erode banks, and cause flooding. It causes river and estuary deepening, as well as the expansion of river mouths and coastal inlets. It may also result in saline water intrusion from the nearby sea. Illegal sand mining poses a substantial ecological threat in India, particularly evident in the Chambal region, where it causes significant environmental harm and jeopardizes several endangered species.

The Chambal Scenario:

The National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) in the Chambal region has been witnessing widespread illegal sand mining activities. Spanning across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, this sanctuary hosts rare wildlife. Additionally, it contains crucial sandbanks that serve as habitats for various endangered species.

Did You Know?

• The Chambal River, known as India’s cleanest river, flows through the sanctuary.
• It supports critically endangered species like the gharial, and red-crowned roofed turtle.
• The endangered Ganges river dolphin is also found here.
• Only known place where nesting of Indian Skimmers (endangered) is recorded in large numbers.

Impact on Wildlife:

Sand mining increases turbidity in the affected area. Turbidity describes the cloudiness of water. Increased turbidity is harmful to organisms such as corals and seagrasses, which depend on sunlight. “Sediment plumes stirred up by the dredging block sunlight, make it difficult for photosynthesis. Illegal sand mining is compelling gharials to seek alternative egg-laying habitats in Kuno and Parbati rivers, tributaries of the Chambal. It is eroding the sandbanks along the Chambal, essential for basking and egg-laying by these critically endangered species.

Human Impact:

Unchecked illegal sand mining in the Chambal region poses threats to multiple threatened species. The mining activities persist round the clock with little regard for the environmental impact. Illegally extracted sand finds its way to various regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR).

Urgency for Action:

Immediate action is imperative. Stringent enforcement of laws and regulations is vital to combat illegal sand mining. Raising public awareness about the ecological significance and consequences of illegal sand mining can be pivotal in addressing this pressing issue. Unregulated sand mining poses a grave threat to the environment; it is crucial to address this issue promptly to safeguard biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health.

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