Impacts of Sand Mining on Riverine Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems: A Global Review with Emphasis on India

Abstract

Sand is a crucial mineral for our society in protecting the environment and most mined mineral on earth in present era. Sand is essential for the maintenance of river ecosystem. However, Population growth is driving up demand for sand. The practice of mining sand and soil is becoming an environmental problem as the demand for sand in industry and construction rises. Indiscriminate and excessive mining of sand has recorded various ill-effects such as habitat alteration, destruction of food web, changes in water temperature and has many socio-economical impacts. Excessive mining of sand affects the regular course of the river. Moreover, sand mining has lead to alteration of total river ecology in many parts of India. One of the major impacts of sand mining has been noticed on riverine fisheries of Indian River system. Researchers and local fishing organizations have noticed a sharp decline in fisheries near intensive mining sites in India. However, not much attention is given to this problem in past. Sand mining not necessarily has direct impact on fisheries but various indirect effects on fisheries and now it’s playing significant role in fish population reduction. Sand mining has grown to be a major ecological hazard on a global scale, especially in riverine areas. It has significant negative effects on riverine fisheries and aquatic ecosystems worldwide, but these consequences are particularly severe in nations like India. With an emphasis on current events in India, this review investigates the effects of sand mining on aquatic ecosystems and riverine fisheries.