UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2018

Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? 1. Decreased salinity in the river 2. Pollution of groundwater 3. Lowering of the water-table. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Heavy sand mining lowers riverbed levels, lowers the water table and can degrade groundwater quality. It tends to increase, not decrease, salinity because it can promote saline-water intrusion.

Topics: environmental issues, environment and ecology, impacts of riverbed sand mining, mining and river ecology