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UKPSC Mainsgs6_geography_economyGeographyPractice question

Mineral Resources and Economy of Uttarakhand

Review the distribution of mineral resources in Uttarakhand and evaluate their contribution to the state's economy, future prospects, and associated environmental challenges.

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How to approach

Begin by introducing Uttarakhand's geological setting and its major non-metallic and minor mineral occurrences. Then, detail the geographic distribution of key minerals across regions, evaluate their economic contribution and future value-addition prospects, and analyse the environmental vulnerabilities. Conclude with sustainable, technology-driven governance pathways.

Model answer

390 words

Introduction

Uttarakhand’s complex Himalayan geology is endowed with diverse non-metallic and minor construction minerals rather than major metallic ores. Balancing mineral extraction with ecological conservation remains central to the state's sustainable development paradigm.

1. Distribution of Mineral Resources

  • Limestone and Dolomite: Predominantly situated in the Krol Belt extending across Dehradun (Mussoorie syncline), Tehri Garhwal, and Pauri Garhwal, serving as primary raw material for cement and chemical plants.
  • Magnesite: Heavily concentrated in the Lesser Himalayan belt, particularly at Jhiroli in Bageshwar and Chandak in Pithoragarh, crucial for refractory brick manufacturing.
  • Soapstone (Talc): Found in high-grade deposits across Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh, with Uttarakhand accounting for roughly 29% of India's total soapstone output.
  • River Bed Material (RBM): Extensive deposits of boulders, gravel, and sand are extracted across the Terai and Bhabar river systems, notably along the Gaula, Kosi, Sharda, and Yamuna basins, sustaining regional construction activities.

2. Economic Contribution and Future Prospects

  • Revenue Generation: Mining constitutes a significant non-tax revenue source, generating over ₹1,200 crore annually for the state exchequer.
  • Local Infrastructure Financing: Annual contributions of approximately ₹80 crore via the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund drinking water projects, roads, and schools in mining-affected hill regions, helping check outward distress migration.
  • Value-Addition Potential: Substantial scope exists for downstream industrialization, including micro-pulverized talc processing for cosmetics and dead-burnt magnesite (DBM) facilities, creating local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

3. Associated Environmental Challenges

  • Riverine Ecosystem Degradation: Unregulated and excessive dredging in foothill rivers like the Gaula alters natural flow dynamics, accelerates riverbed incision, and compromises civil infrastructure like bridge piers.
  • Hydrological Disruptions: Unscientific slope-cutting and quarrying in the mid-hills disrupt underground aquifers, drying up traditional spring systems (naulas and dharas) essential for mountain communities.
  • Induced Slope Instability: Mining activities in ecologically fragile, seismically active terrains (Seismic Zones IV and V) trigger localized landslides, debris flows, and soil erosion.

Way Forward

Sustainable exploitation demands rigorous Carrying Capacity Assessments prior to lease allotments. Expanding governance platforms such as the Mining Digital Transformation and Surveillance System (MDTSS) and secure e-Ravanna frameworks across all districts can curb illicit mining while mandating phased bio-restoration and compensatory afforestation of mined slopes.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand's mineral wealth holds significant potential for state revenues and localized employment generation. Reconciling resource exploitation with the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem requires stringent surveillance, tech-enabled regulation, and mandatory eco-restoration to guarantee sustainable and disaster-resilient growth.

Key facts to remember

statistic

Uttarakhand contributes approximately 29% of India's total soapstone (talc) production, primarily concentrated in Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh districts.

scheme
Mining Digital Transformation and Surveillance System (MDTSS)

An automated, digital regulatory and surveillance framework implemented by Uttarakhand to prevent illegal mining, track transport via e-Ravanna, and optimize royalty recovery.

definition
River Bed Material (RBM)

Mixture of sand, gravel, pebbles, and boulders naturally deposited along river courses in the Bhabar-Terai tract, widely extracted for construction activities.

Frequently asked questions

How does slope mining affect water security in Uttarakhand?

Unscientific slope quarrying ruptures sub-surface fracture networks and underground aquifers, drying up traditional mountain springs known locally as naulas and dharas, which supply drinking water to hill habitations.

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