• Investment World
• eWorld
• Catalyst
• Mentor
• Life
• Canvas
• Praxis
• Urban Pulse
• Brand Quest

Our Bureau

The scientists called for well-thought-out national and State-level policies as the environmental consequences of sea sand mining have not been adequately assessed in the country.

THIRUVANANANTHAPURAM, March 5

DIFFERENCES among scientists over the contentious issue of sea sand mining came to the fore at a one-day workshop on the issue here today.

While some cautioned the coastal States against indiscriminate mining of the seabed for sand, at least one of them made a strong case for exploring the possibility further.

The general view at the workshop on `Offshore sand mining: Pros and cons,' organised by the Swadeshi Science Movement, was that no decision should be taken without properly studying the possible environmental, physical, chemical and biological changes brought about by large-scale sand mining in the seabed.

The participants called for well-thought-out national and State-level policies as the environmental consequences of sea sand mining have not been adequately assessed in the country.

Mr B.J. Anthraper, former Director, Department of Mining and Geology, in his paper on `Offshore sand mining in Kerala' said the State's rivers are simply incapable of sustaining the intensive sand mining that is going on. And the vast expanse of the shallow sea off the continental shelf offers itself as the best source for the sand needs of the future.

The construction industry in the State is slowly driving itself into a stage where river sand, a vital component, is becoming increasingly scarce, he said. "In India, we have not made any significant advance in mining of ocean for mineral resources. Ocean mining technology has grown rapidly in industrialised countries. Sand mining is already being carried out in offshore regions of the UK and Bahrain. This can be replicated along the Kerala coast too."

According to Mr Anthraper, the continental shelf, which is the immediate rim of the sea around land, is comparatively shallow. This is the region where sediments from rivers are discharged. These are composed of sand, silt, clay and lime mud. They form distinct layers one over the other. The estuaries of large rivers bring in immense volumes of sand, silt and clay to the continental shelf.

Along the Kerala coast, possibly a minimum of two million tonnes of sediments is dumped every year in the continental shelf by the Periyar river alone. At least 30 per cent of it would be usable sand for the construction industry, Mr Anthraper said.

According to him, the possible impact of mining of this resource on ecology and environment would be limited since the area of sea for sand mining is highly localised.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
Nabard to raise Rs 200 crore via tax-free bonds

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu Business Line