Is India's growing demand for river sand a double-edged sword?

India's appetite for natural resources is growing. One such resource is river sand, driven largely by the housing boom. Unfortunately, mining of sand, the world's second-most consumed natural resource, fails to garner adequate attention because it's perceived as cheap and abundant. The impact of sand mining, however, is immense. Removal of sand increases water salinity and destroys habitats of organisms. This, in turn, affects other animals and even humans who rely on fish and fresh water from rivers and lakes. Indiscriminate sand mining is responsible for a drop in sediment levels in rivers, resulting in shrinking of deltas. This leaves residents vulnerable to storm surges, flooding, land loss, contaminated drinking water and crop damage.

The sand mafia is also known to resort to violence, murder included, against those who oppose them. Beyond administrative action and raising awareness, there's a dire need for alternative, eco-friendly products to meet the demands of construction projects. Last week, the coal ministry announced it has commissioned PSUs to build four processing plants for overburden, the byproduct of mining operations, to produce manufactured sand (M-sand). This will reduce dependency on river sand and help prevent environmental degradation. If rolled out properly, it can have a big impact on environment and society. Interestingly, sand is linked to all 17 SDGs, as it plays a strategic role in delivering ecosystem services, providing vital infrastructure for economic development, supporting livelihoods within communities and maintaining biodiversity.

India must recognise sand as a strategic resource, not merely as construction material. It's a lifesaver for many and, so, must invest in alternate building materials.