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:

Heavy sand mining in riverbeds has several detrimental consequences:

• Increased Water Velocity and Erosion: Removing sand increases water velocity, leading to riverbank erosion.

• Groundwater Pollution: Sand mining transforms riverbeds into deep pits, polluting the groundwater.

• Lowering of Water Table: Sand acts as a sponge, aiding in water table recharge. Its depletion leads to a decline in water tables, drying up wells.

• Saline Intrusion: Sand depletion causes deepening of rivers and estuaries, leading to saline water intrusion. Therefore, salinity increases, not decreases.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Hence, option b is the correct answer.