Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Mekong River, rare earth minerals, pollution
Mains: GS Paper 1 & 3 — Geography, Environment, Biodiversity

Why in News?

Toxic runoff from rare earth mining activities is polluting tributaries of the Mekong River, raising serious concerns about environmental damage and food security in Southeast Asia.

About the Mekong River

• One of the longest rivers in Asia
• Flows through:
  • China
  • Myanmar
  • Laos
  • Thailand
  • Cambodia
  • Vietnam

➤ Supports:

• Millions of people
• Agriculture and fisheries

What is the Problem?

1. Rare Earth Mining Expansion

• Increasing global demand for:
  → Rare earth elements

2. Toxic Runoff

• Chemicals released into rivers
• Contamination of water sources

3. Heavy Metal Pollution

• Presence of:
  • Arsenic
  • Mercury
  • Lead
  • Cadmium

Impact on Food Systems

→ Mekong region = “World’s kitchen”

Effects:

• Reduced fish population
• Contaminated crops
• Threat to food exports

Health Risks

• Cancer
• Organ damage
• Developmental issues

→ Especially harmful to:

• Children
• Pregnant women

Why This Matters Globally

• Impacts:
  • Food supply chains
  • Global agriculture markets
• Linked to:
  → Rising demand for green technologies

India Relevance

• Rare earth minerals important for:
  • Electronics
  • Renewable energy

➤ Raises question:

• Sustainable mining vs environmental protection

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ Green energy transition can create:

❗ New environmental challenges

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Mekong River flows through:

A. India
B. Southeast Asia
C. Europe
D. Africa

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Rare earth minerals are used in:

A. Agriculture only
B. Electronics and renewable energy
C. Food production
D. Transport only

✅ Answer: B

Q3. Heavy metals include:

1. Mercury
2. Lead
3. Arsenic

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. None

✅ Answer: C

Q4. Pollution in rivers affects:

A. Only water
B. Agriculture and health
C. Only industries
D. Only climate

✅ Answer: B

Q5. Rare earth mining causes:

A. Soil fertility
B. Pollution
C. Rainfall
D. Tourism

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“The global transition to green energy is creating new environmental challenges.”
Discuss with reference to rare earth mining and its ecological impact.

FAQs

1. What is the Mekong River known for?

Supporting agriculture and fisheries in Southeast Asia.

2. What is the main issue?

Pollution due to rare earth mining.

3. Why are rare earth minerals important?

Used in electronics and renewable energy.

4. What are the risks?

Environmental damage and health hazards.

5. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 1 & GS Paper 3.