Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds?
- Decreased salinity in the river
- Pollution of groundwater
- Lowering of the water-table
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Heavy sand mining in riverbeds leads to the increase of velocity of the flowing water, thereby eventually erode the river banks.
- Sand aquifer helps in recharging the water table; its progressive depletion in the river is accompanied by the lowering of the water table in the nearby areas.
- As the turbidity increases at the mining site, saline water intrusion takes along the coastal aquifers thereby polluting the ground water.
- It also leads to an imminent danger of saline water ingress into fresh water. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
