Stop sand mining from River bank; find alternatives
- Imphal Times Editorial :: March 20, 2021 -

In the aftermath of the Manipur High Court Ruling to ban illegal sand mining from Major River banks in Manipur, in connection with the Public Interest litigation filed by an NGO called Thoubal River Preservation Committee in 2019, protest from sand miners and transporters erupted and the government was compelled to issue legal mining permits from the river bank.

Environmentalists were shocked at the government decisions, and some among the government who were aware of the environment degradation and river pollution cause by the sand minors were not happy but were seem left with no option but to accept the government decision.

In today’s changing world sand is perhaps the most consumable commodities after water. The changing time has brought so much change that the world today is running out of sand.

Climate Scientist of the United states has said that the rate of sand use across the globe is triple in the last two decades. At many parts of the world particularly the developing country construction company of all sorts are using sand more than what is available.

Reports said that 75% to 90% of the beaches across the globe are retreating. In Indonesia 24 Island have disappeared, In Florida of the United Sates 9 out of the 10 Beaches are fading away.

Human being today needs sand and coming back to the state of Manipur , the state is in need of more sand than the available sand in the state. Major source of sand in the state is River bed.

In the last two decades we have sand being collected from the River bed of Sekmai and Kanglatombi. Thoubal River today has become one of the most polluted river due to mining of sand. Serou River no doubt is also becoming polluted day after another.

For private constructions people of the state preferred sand from outside the state such as Dimapur as the quality is much better.

Scientific findings had revealed that excessive sand mining erodes River banks, aggravates floods and depletes ground water.

According to Residence of Sekmai , most of the ground water tube well has gone dried this year.

Expert said that he reason for drying of the ground water tube well is due to the excessive mining of sad from the Sekmai River bank. Moreover, the Sekmai River today is running with muddy water. Just a couple of decades Sekai river water was most of the cleanliest water of the state.

According to scientific findings , sand provides stability to the River system, provides habitat to various life forms. Besides this sand in the river is the best source of ground water recharged.

This write up is not about arguing the progress that has been brought by sand. This is about why the government is not taking up an effective measures to control excessive use of sand by finding alternative for the sand.

Recent findings by the scientists said that natural sand which has been collected from the River bank which polluted the River in returns can be replaced by Crush sand .

H Crush sand are produced by crushing of rocks and it is more beneficial as it has no wastage. The size is below 4.75 mm and the shape is cubical and Angular and has rough texture. Except of smooth plastering crush sand is much more better in all construction works.

The Crush sand factory can be established at any place which is suitable to pick up for any construction . That is it can be established near the construction site . This will minimize the use of River sand and will help protecting the environment .

There will be eco-system resumed, ground water recharged and many more like protecting the faona and flora of the state. Moreover, people will be able to use the river water once more.

Government should established a unit or department to make sure that river sand is replaced to protect the rivers of the state. When river is protected the future is also protected. Think about it.