Sustainable Development and Management of Groundwater Resources in Mining Affected Areas: A Review

Sustainable groundwater resources development refers to the efficient management of existing groundwater resources as a source of water supply to meet the needs of the present, on a long term basis in an equitable manner sustaining its quality, without negotiating the risks associated with damage to aquifer physical characteristics, storage capacity and recovery ability for future generation needs. This article discusses about various environmental impacts of mining on land, air, water, ecological disturbances and impact on socioeconomic fabric. In order to formulate effective, sustainable management strategies, knowledge on the behavior of groundwater systems and their interaction with the environment is very much essential. This article also aims to provide a short insight on few popular concepts of sustainability and its application on groundwater resource use and development in mining affected areas. The positive impact of sustainable management of groundwater resources in mining affected areas is highlighted in the review.