Satellite data show India’s major deltas sinking due to human activity

A recent study has highlighted alarming rates of subsidence in two major Indian deltas, with the Brahmani delta sinking at a rate of 77%, and the Mahanadi delta experiencing a 69% decline, both exceeding 5 mm per year. This phenomenon has been attributed primarily to human activities such as excessive groundwater extraction, mining, and construction, which disrupt the natural sediment flow and contribute to land degradation. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable management practices in these regions, as the sinking deltas pose significant risks to local ecosystems, agriculture, and communities that rely on these vital water bodies. The study serves as a critical reminder of the impacts of anthropogenic pressures on environmental stability, emphasizing the importance of implementing effective policies to mitigate further damage and promote ecological resilience.