The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
Illegal mining poses a threat to Assam’s environment and biodiversity in a number of ways. First, it can lead to deforestation, as trees are cleared to make way for mining operations. This can have a devastating impact on the local ecosystem, as trees play an important role in regulating the climate and providing habitat for wildlife.
Second, illegal mining can pollute water resources. Mining operations can release harmful chemicals and sediments into rivers and streams, which can contaminate drinking water and harm fish and other aquatic life.
Third, illegal mining can damage infrastructure. Mining operations can cause landslides and other disruptions to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. This can make it difficult for people to get around and can also damage the local economy.
Finally, illegal mining can have a negative impact on local livelihoods. Mining operations can displace people from their homes and land, and they can also disrupt traditional ways of life. This can lead to poverty and social unrest.
In conclusion, illegal mining poses a serious threat to Assam’s environment and biodiversity. It is important to take steps to prevent and stop illegal mining in order to protect the state’s natural resources and the well-being of its people.
Here are some additional details about each of the options:
- Option (a): Biodiversity. Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It includes the variety of plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as the variety of ecosystems in which they live. Illegal mining can damage biodiversity in a number of ways. For example, it can lead to deforestation, as trees are cleared to make way for mining operations. This can destroy habitat for wildlife and make it difficult for animals to find food and shelter. Illegal mining can also pollute water resources, which can harm fish and other aquatic life.
- Option (b): Water resources. Water resources are essential for human life and for the health of the environment. Illegal mining can damage water resources in a number of ways. For example, mining operations can release harmful chemicals and sediments into rivers and streams, which can contaminate drinking water and harm fish and other aquatic life. Illegal mining can also damage infrastructure, such as dams and pipelines, which can disrupt the flow of water and make it difficult to access clean water.
- Option (c): Local livelihoods. Local livelihoods are the ways in which people earn a living. Illegal mining can have a negative impact on local livelihoods in a number of ways. For example, mining operations can displace people from their homes and land, and they can also disrupt traditional ways of life. This can lead to poverty and social unrest. Illegal mining can also damage infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, which can make it difficult for people to get around and can also damage the local economy.