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- Title
Sand extraction from agricultural fields around Bangalore: Ecological disaster or economic boon?
- Authors
Hegde, Rajendra; Kumar, S. C. Ramesh; Kumar, K. S. Anil; Srinivas, S.; Ramamurthy, V.
- Abstract
Sand supply from the riverbeds to Bangalore is not able to meet the demand of the booming construction sector. Enterprising farmers have taken up extraction of sand by washing surface soils of agricultural fields. Nearly 25% of the sand supplied is from this source. A field investigation and laboratory analysis was undertaken to understand the ecological and economic consequences of sand extraction. The study revealed that significant employment and economic gains are realized at an ecological cost. Loss of surface soils, nutrient losses, crop yield losses, siltation of tanks, excessive groundwater exploitation and soil erosion are taking place due to sand extraction. There are no quality differences between riverbed sand and soil extracted sand. A comprehensive policy is needed to make the enterprise ecologically tolerable and safe.
- Subjects
BENGALURU (India); INDIA; GROUNDWATER; RIVER channels; RADIOACTIVE tracers in hydrogeology; HYDROGEOLOGY
- Publication
Current Science (00113891), 2008, Vol 95, Issue 2, p243
- ISSN
0011-3891
- Publication type
Article