Innovations in sand mining for sustanable development

Abstract

This paper presents a critical review of various sand mining methods, problems of environmental pollution, some typical problems and issues due to the present sand mining practices in our country along with illustration of scientific design of sand mining methods, mining plans, monitoring plans etc for extraction in a sustainable way. Effects and general guidelines for sand and gravel mining along with action plan in brief are also presented. Emphasis is made on application of suitable river model in determining the locations, period and quantity of sand to be extracted by means of appropriate scientific methods. As an alternative to river sand, it is also suggested to accelerate the efforts to prepare sand from rocks—i.e rock sand mining may be given a good boost by the respective State and Central Governments.