RIVER BED DEGRADATION DUE TO SEDIMENT MINING

Abstract

Sand extraction from river beds and flood plains to meet ever increasing demand for construction grade sand in India is subjecting many of our rivers under tremendous environmental stress. Serious environmental consequences like degradation of river systems, dwindling river flows and depleting groundwater levels are being reported upon. Indiscriminate and vigorous sand mining activities on many of our river systems are of serious nature as far as the riverine environment and ecosystem are concerned. It may lead to irreversible damages to the river system and also to ground water aquifers sustained by the river. Therefore, there is a need to carry out scientific investigations on the effect of sand mining on river and aquifer systems to facilitate preservation and sustenance of riverine environment and eco systems. Presently, there is a dearth of results on such issues like sustainable limits of sand extraction etc. from the Indian context. The aim of the present study is to conduct various experiments in flume and calculate various parameter to understand the degradation of Sediment River.