12.18 crore metric tonnes of sand formed in 4 rivers of Gandhinagar; The Geological Department of Patnagar District has prepared a report on Ordinary Sand Gravel Mining for the first time. 12.18 crore metric tonnes of sand formed in 4 rivers of Gandhinagar; Geological Department of Patnagar District Prepared Report on Ordinary Sand Gravel Mining for the First Time

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Yash Patwardhan

For the first time in Gandhinagar, an Ordinary Sand Gravel Mining Report related to secondary minerals has been prepared by the Geological Department. Sand is the only mineral found in Gandhinagar district. Gandhinagar district is a treasure of sand. In the first report of the Geological Survey, it is stated that there is 12.18 crore metric tonnes of sand storage in the rivers of Gandhinagar district. Not only this, the process of sand formation in the river continues continuously with its flow. The largest river in the district is the Sabarmati and Sabarmati produces the largest amount of sand.

There are total four rivers in the district namely Sabarmati, Meshvo, Khari and Vatrak. These rivers can produce sand themselves. A total of 147 sites were leased out for mining in the year 2021-22. This includes 8 posts in Kalol, 45 posts in Mansa, 16 posts in Dehgam and 78 posts in Gandhinagar. 49.76 lakh metric tonnes of sand was produced in this year.

How is the amount of sand in the river checked?
Commonly occurs naturally in the rivers of the district. In which factors like catchment area, climate, annual rainfall, nature, gradient of river bed, erosion, weather, sediment transport etc. come into play. Which makes up 20% of the Earth’s crust. To check the process of sand formation, shallow trenches are dug before monsoon and the amount of sand filling is observed after monsoon. Then the sand is deposited on the banks of the river. which the river takes in its channel over time.

How is sand formed?
Rocks are eroded by friction, erosion and hydraulic action caused by the flow of rivers. Also at higher altitudes, steeper gradients and higher velocities cause rivers to erode and carry sediment. When the river begins to deposit silt due to the decrease in gradient and velocity in the plains. This entire process produces sand. High plains are found on both sides of Sabarmati river.

Sand production increased in the district despite the decrease in leases
In 2019-20 there were a total of 159 spaces for lease. 44,02,735.77 metric tonnes was produced then. A total of 147 for lease and production of 49,76,092.299 metric tonnes in 2021-22. In 2020-21, 40,59,136.386 MT was produced against a total of 151 sites.