SS

Suvan SharmaAIR 148

Question 16GS1GS1

Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context.

Open scan (p.41)

Introduction

Sand is a mineral found in areas such as river beds etc. naturally. It is also synthetically made by blasting of rocks suitable for sand making.

26 words

Main Body

Sand is a mineral found in areas such as river beds etc. naturally. It is also synthetically made by blasting of rocks suitable for sand making.

Unsustainable Management [marked with wavy underline definition]

Reasons:

1Increased demand due to rapid urbanisation → around 30l+ population lives in urban areas. Which may increase to 50% (UN). → This entails huge demand for sand for construction purposes.
2Vested interests: as it's valuable mineral in contractors, construction business.
3Unsustific management by transporters: TEQ not covering while transporting.
4Lack of skills & techniques for management.
which may increase to 50% (UN).This entails huge demand for sand for construction purposes.
Impact(1) loss of resources.
2Excessive sand mining leads to ecosystem imbalance.
3Causes problems related to water management such as: Salinity of water due to unscientifc approach.
4Reduces groundwater levels.
5Contamination of water due to unscientifc approach.

Remedial Measures Taken:

1Regulations on major & minor minerals [TEQ Centre & States].
2Awareness camps by Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture. Land resource are important in development of $3 trillion economy of India.

to water management such as: Salinity of water due to unscientifc approach.

4Reduces groundwater levels.
5Contamination of water due to unscientifc approach.

Remedial Measures Taken:

1Regulations on major & minor minerals [TEQ Centre & States].
2Awareness camps by Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture.

Land resource are important in development of $3 trillion economy of India.

250 words14 paragraphs

Conclusion

Land resource are important in development of $3 trillion economy of India.

12 words

  • Clear definition of unsustainable management
  • Identifies root cause - urbanisation with statistics
  • Multiple causative factors listed
  • Mentions vested interests - critical analysis
  • Comprehensive impact assessment covering environmental and water issues
  • Links to broader economic development context ($3 trillion economy)
  • Mentions both Central and State regulatory frameworks
  • Includes awareness-raising initiatives
  • Connects resource management to national economic development
  • Identifies both central and state regulatory roles
  • Mentions multiple ministry involvement

Topper

Suvan Sharma

AIR 148

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Unsustainable Sand Mining in India

Reasons for and impacts of sand resource mismanagement

Urbanisation-driven demand and extraction issues

Writing Stats

288

Total words

14

Paragraphs

analytical, structured with numbered points

Tone