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.
How to approach: Address the "Why" and "How" behind each sub-part of the question using structured PESTEL or stakeholder dimensions.
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Introduction
Body Analysis
Sand Mining refers to the physical extraction of sand from coastal and riverine ecosystems, including beaches, riverbeds, and ocean floors. Driven by rapid urbanization, global sand consumption has surged. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), India is identified as one of the critical global hotspots for coastal sand mining.
graph TD
CSM["Coastal Sand Mining"] --> CE["Coastal Erosion"]
CSM --> LMB["Loss of Marine Biodiversity"]
CSM --> SWI["Saline Water Intrusion"]
CSM --> DM["Degradation of Mangroves and Wetlands"]
CSM --> IVND["Increased Vulnerability to Natural Disasters"]
CSM --> DLC["Displacement of Local Communities"]Body
Environmental and Ecological Impacts on Indian Coasts
- Destruction of Coastal Ecosystems (Tamil Nadu): In Periyasamypuram, Tuticorin district, extensive sand extraction has led to severe ecological degradation. The local fish catch has dwindled, palm trees have withered, groundwater has turned brackish, and seawater has encroached into inland villages.
- Salinity Intrusion and Inundation (Kerala): In districts like Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, rampant sand mining has triggered seawater intrusion, coastal land submergence, and the salinization of freshwater aquifers.
- Threat to Marine Biodiversity (Turtle Nesting): Beaches serve as vital nesting grounds for endangered species like the Olive Ridley sea turtle. Sand mining disrupts their nesting habitats, destroying eggs and preventing hatchlings from safely reaching the sea.
- Severe Coastal Erosion (Karnataka): Unregulated sand mining along Karnataka's coastline has accelerated erosion, forcing the state government to spend crores of rupees on constructing artificial barriers.
- Regulatory and Legal Repercussions: Highlighting the severity of the issue, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a massive fine of ₹100 crore on the Andhra Pradesh government for failing to curb illegal sand mining operations.
Way Forward
- Spatial Planning: Implement robust spatial planning and minimize unnecessary concrete construction.
- Alternative Materials: Promote green infrastructure and sustainable substitutes like oil palm shell, bottom ash, and manufactured sand (M-sand).
- Strict Enforcement: Ensure absolute compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to curb illegal extraction.
Conclusion
To safeguard fragile coastal ecosystems, state governments must strictly regulate mining volumes to ensure they do not exceed scientifically determined sustainable limits. Transitioning toward eco-friendly alternatives is critical to balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2019 (Question 1) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security → Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 10 Marks • 150 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 7–8 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Analyze: Deconstruct the question into its core components and explain how they interact with each other. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2019 GS3 (Environment & Ecology)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2019 GS Paper III question on Environment & Ecology?
This 2019 GS Paper III question carries 10 marks with a 150-word limit and uses the "Analyze" directive. Address the "Why" and "How" behind each sub-part of the question using structured PESTEL or stakeholder dimensions. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words) and aim to finish within 7–8 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2019 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security under the syllabus module "Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change". You can explore all repeated questions from Environment & Ecology in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Environment & Ecology PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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