ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND HEALTH RISKS FROM SANDSTONE MINING IN JODHPUR DISTRICT, RAJASTHAN, USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Rapid expansion of sandstone mining in Jodhpur District, Rajasthan, has intensified environmental degradation and raised significant public health concerns in this arid region. This study assesses the spatial extent of mining-induced land transformation and its associated environmental and health implications, utilising an integrated geospatial framework. Multi-temporal satellite imagery (2015–2025) was analysed to assess land-use and land-cover changes, revealing substantial conversion of agricultural land into quarry sites and expansion of mining operations toward peri-urban areas.

Environmental quality was examined through field-based soil and water sampling (January 2026) and secondary air quality data obtained from CPCB monitoring stations (November 2025–January 2026). Results indicate elevated particulate matter concentrations (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) in mining-dominated zones, increased groundwater mineralisation, as reflected in high TDS and hardness values, and localised soil salinisation near active quarries. These findings confirm spatially concentrated environmental stress in areas of intensive sandstone extraction.

A structured health survey of 400 respondents within a 10 km mining buffer revealed a high prevalence of respiratory disorders, skin diseases, silicosis symptoms, sleep disturbances, substance use, and anxiety-related conditions. GIS-based spatial overlay analysis demonstrated a clear convergence between environmental degradation hotspots and adverse health outcomes. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced environmental monitoring, effective dust control strategies, and integrated public health interventions to ensure sustainable mining practices in arid mining landscapes.