Daily Mains Question - GS 1 - 16th August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 16
- 4 min read
Welcome to your daily UPSC Mains Answer Practice! Today’s question focuses on the critical issue of unscientific mining in the fragile Himalayan region—a pressing concern at the intersection of physical geography and environmental governance. As the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) continues to face mounting ecological pressure from developmental activities, the recent findings from soapstone mining in Uttarakhand highlight the devastating geomorphological and environmental consequences of poorly regulated resource extraction. This discussion aligns with GS Paper 1 – Geography, specifically under themes such as geomorphological processes, environmental degradation, disaster vulnerability, and sustainable development. With increasing instances of land subsidence, landslides, and water resource depletion being reported from high-risk seismic zones like Bageshwar, understanding the geographical implications of human-induced disruptions is not only vital for aspirants but also for shaping resilient and sustainable Himalayan policies.
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QUESTION
“Unscientific mining practices in ecologically sensitive zones like the Himalayas have led to severe geomorphological and environmental degradation.” Discuss with reference to recent findings from mining regions in Uttarakhand.
Answer: The Himalayan region, often termed the ‘Third Pole’, is a fragile and dynamic geosystem marked by high seismicity, steep slopes, young fold mountains, and active geomorphic processes. The proliferation of unscientific mining in such ecologically sensitive zones has resulted in a cascade of geomorphological disturbances and environmental consequences.
Mining in the Himalayan Region
Uttarakhand, part of the seismically active Himalayan arc, hosts over 200 operational mines:
Bageshwar: 169 mines (Soapstone & Magnesite)
Pithoragarh: 28 mines
Chamoli: 8 mines
Uttarkashi: 1 silica sand mine
Soapstone, a talc-rich metamorphic rock, is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and sculpture.
Geomorphological Consequences of Unscientific Mining
Land Subsidence and Ground Deformation
Movement of subterranean materials leads to sinking land.
Reported subsidence in villages near Bageshwar mines resulted in cracks in residential structures and agricultural fields.
Subsidence observed 100 meters upslope from mine pits, indicating far-reaching impact.
Slope Instability and Landslides
Steep, unsupported excavation without slope stabilization has triggered retrogressive debris slides.
Satellite imagery shows post-mining landslide initiation (e.g., a mine formed post-2014 caused a slide by 2019).
Erosion undercuts the slopes, heightening landslide susceptibility in adjoining areas.
Formation of Fissures and Cracks
Ground cracks up to 50 meters in length observed around mine perimeters.
Cracks compromise the stability of terrain and pose serious risk during seismic events (Zone V region).
Sediment Overburden and Stream Blockage
Unplanned dumping of overburden into drainage networks leads to stream blockage.
Risk of flash floods and debris flows during extreme weather events increases significantly.
Environmental Consequences
Groundwater Depletion
Sub-surface disruptions have altered aquifer dynamics, leading to drying up of springs and wells.
Recharge zones face threats from mining and associated activities like grazing, tree felling, and vegetation loss.
Soil Erosion and Loss of Fertile Land
Topsoil erosion due to vegetation clearance and slope destabilization.
Agricultural lands are either encroached or degraded by sediment flows and debris.
Water Quality Degradation
Mining waste and overburden seep into surface water sources, polluting them.
Disrupted drainage combined with unregulated waste dumping degrades water quality, affecting local communities.
Ecological Disturbance
Habitat fragmentation due to mining roads and excavation pits.
Flora and fauna affected by noise, dust, and hydrological changes.
Seismic Vulnerability and Disaster Risk
Bageshwar lies in Seismic Zone V, the highest risk category.
Unscientific mining aggravates risks:
Induced seismicity from voids
Amplification of landslide probability during seismic events
Threat to lifeline infrastructure (pipelines, roads)
Committee Findings and Scientific Evidence
Committee comprised experts from Geological Survey of India, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, and Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Center.
Conducted scientific surveys of 61 mines.
Recommended:
Geo-referenced digital database for lease boundaries
Slope stability analysis to determine optimal bench height
Regular slope and site monitoring
Protection of recharge zones from anthropogenic activities
Way Forward: Sustainable Mining in Fragile Terrains
Key Measures | Description |
Geo-Spatial Mapping | Use GIS to monitor mining extent and landscape changes. |
Slope Engineering | Maintain permissible bench heights and retaining structures to prevent landslides. |
Eco-Sensitive Zoning (ESZs) | Restrict mining in ESZs and high seismic hazard zones. |
Reclamation and Afforestation | Post-mining land use planning and soil stabilization with vegetation. |
Hydrogeological Surveys | Periodic monitoring of groundwater levels and aquifer health. |
The Himalayan region’s ecological fragility and dynamic geomorphology make it especially vulnerable to the impacts of unregulated and unscientific mining. The findings from Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, serve as a cautionary tale and underscore the urgent need for scientific mining practices, integrated land use planning, and environmental stewardship to safeguard the region and its communities from irreversible degradation and disasters.
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