Evaluation of the Environmental and Socio- economic impacts of Sand Mining Projects

Evaluation of the Environmental and Socio- economic impacts of Sand Mining Projects in Chottaudepur, Gujarat

Abstract

Sand mining, a crucial global economic activity particularly for developing nations, has essential role in socio-economic development. India is grappling with serious environmental and social economic challenges due to its rapidly growing sand production industry. This complex scenario can be seen in Chottaudepur, Gujarat, an area known for its vast sand reserves. Sand mining in Chottaudepur in the past has severely impacted the environment and had taken a toll on lives of local people. This motivated the present study wherein the impacts of sand mining were studied on the water environment and

where the effects of sand mining on both local livelihoods and environment are felt observed

and hence were analyzed for

socio-economic effects

on the lives of local communities

and on water environment

. For this purpose, physico-chemical characterization of water and socio-economic survey using a stratified random sampling approach was carried out in the study area.

Water quality assessment in Chottaudepur involved assessment of physico-chemical parameters like pH, turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and Total Solids (TS). Socioeconomic impacts were evaluated in mining regions.

Data collection included Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), direct field observations, structured questionnaire surveys and interviews targeting affected communities. The results of the study revealed high pH levels, increased turbidity, reduced dissolved oxygen levels,high TSS and TDS content in surface waters contaminated as a result of sand mining. The socioeconomic aspects consisted of positive impacts such as higher local employment rates coupled with negative consequences like community dislocation or displacement, and wealth divide/rich-poor gap . Additionally, there were concerns expressed by the respondents over health risk factors linked to mining activities, ignorance about the existing laws governing mining and unfair methods of distribution of royalties among others.

Keywords: Sand mining, water quality, socio-economic, Chottaudepur

1.0. Introduction:

India has a sizable sand mining industry, especially in light of the nation's quick urbanization and infrastructure growth. But it's also linked to a number of socioeconomic and environmental effects. According to estimations, one of the biggest extractive industries in India is sand mining, which is a significant industry. Due to an increase in economic activity, India's pace of sand and gravel mining has tripled over the last 20 years, reaching 40 billion tons yearly (Jain & Dohare, 2022). The Indian economy benefits greatly from sand mining, mainly because of its use in building projects. In order to produce mortar, concrete, and other building products, mined sand is a basic raw resource for the construction industry. As a result, the sand mining industry supports the livelihoods of numerous people engaged in the extraction, transportation, and sale of sand by creating job opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Its crucial to remember that the financial advantages of sand mining must be evaluated against the socioeconomic and environmental costs involved. These expenses consist of habitat loss, riverbank erosion, water pollution, disturbance of aquatic ecosystems, and negative effects on nearby communities, such as agricultural land loss and community relocation near mining sites The economic benefits may be especially evident in Chottaudepur, Gujarat, where sand mining operations are common, in terms of local employment and income creation. However, these advantages' long-term effects on society and the environment need for careful management in order to ensure their sustainability. In order to prevent social injustice and environmental degradation from occurring at the expense of the economic benefits of sand mining, it is imperative that sustainable sand mining techniques, regulatory enforcement, and community engagement be implemented. As Chhota Udepur was formed by combining areas of Vadodara and the Panchmahals districts (Kawant, Naswadi, Sankheda, Jetpurpavi, and Chhota Udepur), it is considered a mostly tribal area. A lush forest covering 75,704 hectares, Chhota Udepur is one of the state's most mineral- rich districts. Furthermore, a number of mineral and sand mining facilities are currently part of the freshly carved district's treasure. 5.39 lakh tones of dolomite, 52,000 tons of fluorite, 90.77lakh tones of sand, and 4,000 tons of granite make up the majority of this. Actually, with its abundant mining resources. (Commissioner of geology and mining). (n.d.-a).

2.0.Literature Review :

The effect of sand mining on rivers has been the subject of several research (Kondolf, 1994a and 1994b, Bravard et al., 1999 and Rinaldi et al., 2005).

Because of this, a wealth of information exists about the anticipated effects of sand extraction on rivers, the most significant of which is river bed degradation. Other morphological sand mining consequences include changes in channel pattern, avulsion processes, bed coarsening, and river bank instability. These can result in significant damage to buildings and significant disruptions to river equilibrium.

The earliest reports of the negative environmental effects of sand resource extraction were from the industrialized world (Sonak et al., 2006). The aforementioned globalization of sand mining has led to an increase in reports from various nations, includingChina (Wu et al. 2007) and India (Padmalal et al. 2008), expressing worry about the environmental effects. As a result, it has been suggested that sand mining ought to be regarded as a component of global environmental change due to the scope of this globalization and the severity of its effects (Sonak et al. 2006). Few research, meanwhile, have looked at the effects of sand mining over longer time periods beyond the length of mining operations at specific sites. These research indicates that the extent of extraction and its consequences are particular to certain locations and initiatives (Wang et al. 2003). The truth is that the consequences of river sand mining on the ecosystem have been recognized and examined in recent decades (Sreebha and Padmalal, 2008). In this context, certain pertinent research has been done (Ashraf et al., 2011Padmalal et al., 2008;) While the information on sand mining in industrialized nations is trustworthy, there is a dearth of global data regarding material extraction, which has led to environmental issues and contributed to a lack of awareness. For this reason, both small- and large-scale environmental degradation is caused by the extraction from these mines. A non-renewable resource in the life cycle of humans is river sand. The consequences on the environment are negligible if its extraction is equivalent to its regeneration. However, over-extraction interferes with the normal functioning of ecosystems (Padmalal, 2008). Excessive extraction has resulted in the devastation of public properties, the contamination of water sources, the decline in the standard of living of the local population, and the loss of soil quality (Ashraf et al., 2011).and it also has the unintended consequence of changing the landscape and producing noise, dust, air pollution, high traffic around the mine, etc. These effects have resulted in soil erosion, the loss of arable land, the elimination of life diversity, and a rise in poverty among people. They also have negative potential effects on society, the environment, cultural heritage, the health and safety of mine workers, and the neighborhoods surrounding mines. While most people understand the importance of sand in building, they might not be aware of the negative effects it has on the diversity of life, plant covering, and food security. The evaluation of social impacts is a critical facet of impact assessments, encompassing systematic efforts to identify, analyze, and appraise the effects of programs or policies on individuals, groups, or entire communities. This assessment is often conducted concurrently or separately from environmental impact assessments (Ashraf et al., 2010). Studies conducted in Ghana have highlighted how sand and gravel mining can deprive local communities of their primary income sourceagricultural land (Musah et al., 2009). Moreover, these activities can alter local ecosystems, contributing to environmental hazards such as the proliferation of disease vectors like malaria mosquitoes due to water bodies created by mining activities (Hemalatha et al., 2005).In addition to mentioning the detrimental effects of sand and gravel mining on the environment, study of the effects of sand mining in the Manipur region on the Aymfl River also demonstrates the positive effects on workers' income as one of the key activities in economic development. On the one hand, these mines may offer opportunities for both direct and indirect employment. In Bangladesh, research has shown that sand mining, especially along riverbanks, has become a pressing concern for residents due to erosion and associated environmental impacts (Rentier & Cammeraat, 2022). However, there are potential economic benefits as well. Reactivating mining operations can stimulate regional economies by creating employment opportunities, boosting incomes, reducing unemployment rates, and diversifying revenue sources, leading to improved living standards for local populations (Ramkumar et al., 2015). Mensah et al. 1997 used the three villages in the Ahanta West District to investigate the causes and consequences of coastal sand mining in Ghana. The study's goal was to identify the causes and consequences of mining for coastal sand. The author noted that the sand mining has led to the -land dispute (13.7%), loss of vegetation (12.2%), damage of roads (16.5%), devastation of beaches (18.2%), destruction of property (11.8%), and the use of child labor (8.1%). A comparative study between Iceland and Ghana was conducted by Musah et al (2009) to study the impacts of sand mining and to understand the laws governing the mining of sand and how they were enforced. The authors compared the mining of sand and gravel in Ghana's East Gonja District (EGD) with Iceland's Gunnarsholt region. The research listed the following as the consequences of sand mining in East Gonja District: decrease in farmlands (33.3%), mosquito breeding grounds (23.3%), erosion (16.7%), loss of significant trees (10%), and conflict (6.6%). Additionally, it was noted that in the East Gonja District, 7 percent of the mined sites had been restored, 23% were still in use, and 70% had been abandoned.

3.0.Objectives :

[1]Estimation of impact of sand mining on water environment by assessing of various water quality parameters likes pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total suspended Solids (TSS), Total Solids (TS).

[2]Evaluation of the socio-economic significance of sand mining in Chottaudepur, Gujarat, including its contribution to local livelihoods, income generation, and economic development.

[3]Assessment the potential long-term effects of sand mining on local communities, including economic inequality, and social instability

4.0. Methodology :

A thorough methodology combining both qualitative and quantitative indicators was adopted to assess the socio-economic and environmental effects of sand mining initiatives in Chottaudepur, Gujarat. This is a recommended format for this kind of assessment: Initial Evaluation: Prior to beginning sand mining operations, do a thorough analysis of the data and literature that are currently available on the socioeconomic and environmental circumstances of the research area. Determine important metrics including biodiversity, land use patterns, water quality, socioeconomic demographics, etc.

5.0.Results and Discussion :

The pH of the affected surface value was found to be 8.51, in case of downstream surface water it was found to be 8.3, and for controlled surface water it was 8.36 (Figure 3). When compared to the controlled surface water (?

C

), the observed pH values in the downstream surface water(B) and impacted surface water (A) are higher. This suggests that sand mining operations may have caused alkalinity in the impacted and downstream areas which has the potential to impose impact on the wellbeing of ecosystems and aquatic life (Jain and Dohare, 2022).

Turbidity values of the affected surface and downstream surface water were 3764 NTU and 25 NTU respectively. In case of controlled surface water, it was found to be 4.8 NTU (Figure 4). Affected surface water (A) has much more turbidity than downstream (B) and controlled surface water (C). This shows that sedimentation and cloudiness in the water are being caused by sand mining, which can have a detrimental effect on aquatic ecosystems by affecting the photosynthetic activity and hence the water quality.

Total Dissolved Solids for the affected surface was found to be 268 gm/L, in case of downstream surface water it was found to be 286 mg/L and for controlled surface water it was 176 mg/L. The TDS values however did not show any significant variation among the sampling sites. Affected surface water (A) has comparatively lower TDS levels than downstream (B) and regulated surface water (C). All values, nevertheless, fall within permissible limits by Bureau of Indian standards (BIS). However, increased TDS can have an impact on aquatic life and water quality.

Total suspended solids was found to be 3038 mg/L for the affected area, in case of downstream surface water it was found to be 35 mg/L, and for controlled surface water it was found to be 9 mg/L (Figure 6). Affected surface water (A) has much higher TSS than downstream (B) and controlled surface water (C). High TSS levels imply that sand mining operations have resulted in significant contamination of the water body. Higher TSS levels can damage aquatic life and make the water less clear (more turbid), affecting the overall health of aquatic ecosystem.

Dissolved oxygen was found to be 4.2 mg/L for the affected area, while in case of downstream surface water it was found to be 6.2 mg/L and in case of controlled surface water it was found to be 4.6 mg/L (Figure 7). When compared to downstream and controlled surface water, the DO levels in impacted surface water were lower. Decreased DO may be a sign of poor water quality and oxygen depletion brought on by contaminants from sand mining and the breakdown of organic materials, which might be harmful to aquatic life. The survival and growth of aquatic species may be adversely affected by decreased DO levels.

The value of Nitrate for the affected surface was found to be 2.3 mg/L, while in case of downstream surface water it was found to be 1.6 mg/L and in case of controlled surface water it was found to be 1.3 mg/L (Figure 8). Affected surface water (A) has greater nitrate levels than downstream (B) and controlled surface water (C). Increased nitrate concentrations can cause eutrophication, which is bad for aquatic environments. This could be a sign of pollution from other sources, such as agricultural runoff, made worse by sand mining operations.

Demographic Analysis: Demographic analysis involves an understanding of the gender distribution. Making educated judgments about a range of topics, including social policies, marketing tactics, healthcare, and education, is aided by it. Demographic analysis is dependent upon variety of parameters, and that socioeconomic level, age, and ethnicity all play essential roles.65.9% of the total respondents from the survey were males and rest 34.1% were females.

The age distribution of the respondents is shown in table 4, which divides them into several age groups. Based on the given facts, the following interpretation and debate are presented: Age Groups: There were 12 responders in the 1830 age range, which is a lower representation than in other age groups. 30-45: Of the responses, 47 people fell within this age bracket, making it the largest group. 4560: 28 responders fall into this age range. 60 & above: The poll included 7 respondents who were 60 years of age or above, indicating a smaller but still significant presence. From the data received from the respondents, 95 respondents were asked about their marital status. Based on the available data, it can be inferred that 81.05% of the respondents were married, while the remaining 18.95% were single. sizeable fraction of the group had at least finished secondary school, which, depending on the educational system, usually encompasses education up to the ages of 16 or 18.Graduate and Above: Thirty-three people had finished their secondary education, which implies that a sizeable percentage of the cohort has gone on for graduate, post graduation, or bachelor's degrees. Eleven people were classified as illiterate, which indicated that they are incapable of even reading and writing at a basic level. Only Primary Education: Eight people had finished their primary education. The early years of learning are normally covered by primary education, lasting until the student is eleven or twelve years old. The information received from the respondents' homes were divided into three groups: nuclear families, single people, and joint families. There are 95 responders in total. 40 respondents were from a joint family. 40 respondents were from a nuclear family and 15 responders were residing alone. Discussions on the different socioeconomic and cultural variables determining family compositions might be sparked by this distribution. For example, the predominance of nuclear families may represent urbanization and modernization tendencies leading to smaller, more autonomous family units, while the prevalence of joint families may reflect cultural norms favouring extended family support systems. The number of single people may also be a reflection of changes in society, such as postponed marriage or altered lifestyle preferences. Based on the data received, the following analysis and discussion were provided: Household Members with Jobs: This section probably indicates how many people work in each home. For instance, there were twenty-five homes with precisely two employed people. There were fourteen homes with just one working member, 19 families with 3 employed people were reported, eight homes with four employed people, there were five employed people in seven families. Also, there was a single family with 7 working individuals. Zero Employed Household Members: It was surprising to observe that 4 homes had no working members. Retired: One home had a person or members who were retired, albeit they are probably not included in the number of employed. Typically, households had two or three employed in the studied area. This points to a trend where several family members are making contributions to the workforce. The existence of unemployed of single employed household members may be a sign of impending socioeconomic difficulties or a home structure in which one person is in charge of providing financial assistance for others. The scenario when a single family has one retired person and one employed member raises the possibility that people are depending more on their retirement benefits than on gainful employment. The existence of a single household consisting of seven working persons is remarkable and might suggest the cohabitation of unrelated individuals, such as roommates, or a sizable extended family. All things considered, this data depicts the employment environment inside families, emphasizing the variety of job situations and household configurations. Based on the data received, the breakdown of the number of positions in each category and the employment status of each group is as follows: Agricultural: 32 people work in the agricultural industry. This implies that one important industry in the region or community the data represents may be agriculture.Labour work:32 people from the respondents are employed as labour workers.Business: The business sector employed twenty-one people. This might cover a broad range of professions including banking, retail, and services.Six people do not have a job at the time of survey. This suggests that a segment of the population is actively looking for work but is having trouble finding positions.The respondents' income distribution by caste system is shown in the table 10. The interpretation and discussion are as follows:Count of Respondents' Caste Structure: The number of respondents who belong to various caste systems is listed in this section.Income Distribution of OBCs': With 25 responders, the bulk of OBCs (Other Backward Classes) make between INR100,000 and INR300,000. Subsequently, 12 respondents identified in the group- INR300,000 to INR500,000, while 6 respondents were identified earning less than INR100,000. Four responders had annual incomes of at least INR500,000.Income Distribution of Others (GENERAL): The income distribution is noticeably skewed among respondents who are classified as "Others." There is just one respondent in each of the following income ranges: less than INR100,000 and INR100,000 to INR300,000; 28 respondents had an income between 300,000 and 500,000, whereas in the group of 500,000 and above, there were no responders. Income Distribution of SC/ST: According to the chart, 14 respondents fall within the SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes) category with no significant income. Nevertheless, the data does not offer a detailed analysis of their income distribution. This implies that the community have a certain degree of awareness. Nonetheless, the fact that 25 respondents gave the "No" response suggests that a sizeable section of the community is unaware of these guidelines. This may warrant some caution particularly if these people are engaged in mining operations without being aware of the laws that control them. Nine respondents gave the "Maybe" option, which might imply ambiguity or a lack of understanding on their part. This may suggest that the community needs to be better informed about mining laws and regulations or that improved communication is needed. Based on the information received, 83 people were asked about how mining affects agriculture. Of those, 34 respondents did not experience the influence, but 49 respondents said they had. When the data was interpreted, it becomes evident that a sizable percentage of the participantsroughly 59%reported are dealing with the effects of mining on agriculture. This implies that a significant number of respondents are concerned about the negative impacts of mining operations on agricultural methods in Chottaudepur, Gujarat. Considering the data received, 31 respondents agreed that the sand mining operations are having a favorable impact on agriculture, probably because of available water from potholes for irrigation and fertile soil along the banks of river.

6.0.Conclusion :

The present study is based on the assessment of the socioeconomic and environmental effects of sand mining projects in Chottaudepur, Gujarat. As per the data, sand mining operations in Chottaudepur, Gujarat, have a negative influence on the environment, especially the quality of the water. Reduced pH and DO levels, together with elevated turbidity, TSS, and nitrate levels, point to pollution and habitat destruction in the impacted areas. These environmental changes may have detrimental effects on nearby communities that depend on ecosystem services, as well as socioeconomic repercussions such as decreased water supply and biodiversity loss. Therefore, it is necessary to take action to lessen these effects and guarantee that the area uses sustainable sand mining methods. The main conclusions and their ramifications related to the socio-economic assessment are as follows: The information shows that sand mining has a number of detrimental effects, such as lowered groundwater levels, the devastation of neighbouring farms and forests, a rise in dust pollution, and erosion of riverbeds. Although several respondents said there were no negative effects, it's possible that this was due to their ignorance of the wider ramifications. Local Employment: The majority of respondents acknowledged that sand mining had a good influence on job creation, indicating a considerable impact on local employment. But it's crucial to take into account any possible drawbacks, such worker health hazards and environmental deterioration. Sources of Employment: The data illustrated a range of job opportunities brought about by sand mining, such as labour-intensive jobs, transportation, machine operation, administrative, and surveillance responsibilities. This implies that skill development programs and assessments of long-term employment sustainability are necessary. Sand mining generates royalties for a sizable section of the population, demonstrating positive economic effects. Disparities in royalty distribution, however, bring into question issues of transparency and equality. Health worries and Safety Measures: Although most respondents stated they had no health worries about mining, it is important to take care of any health issues that have been found and make sure that safety precautions are followed in order to reduce risks. Knowledge of Mining Regulations: A significant portion of the participants exhibit a lack of knowledge regarding mining rules, underscoring the necessity of enhancing public education and involving stakeholders to guarantee adherence and mitigate adverse effects. Employment and Household Composition: The data provided information on respondents' employment and household compositions, including a range of family configurations and employment levels.

7.0. Acknowledgement :

I am thankful to god and my guide for giving me such a big opportunity in my life . I would also like to thank those who have directly or indirectly helped me in my work ./