Maharashtra Cabinet Approves New Sand Policy; Free Sand for Housing Initiatives
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra Cabinet, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a sand extraction policy aimed at reducing illegal mining. Beneficiaries will receive five brass of sand for free under housing schemes, with auction sales replacing the depot method.
Key Takeaways
- Five brass of sand provided free for housing schemes.
- New auction-based sales method to combat illegal mining.
- Mandatory 20% artificial sand use in government projects.
- Subsidies for M-sand manufacturers to reduce river sand dependency.
- Royalty fees and penalties established for illegal activities.
Mumbai, April 8 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has officially approved a new sand extraction policy aimed at combating illegal sand mining and the associated sand mafia issues.
According to the Cabinet's resolution, five brass of sand will be distributed at no charge to beneficiaries under various housing schemes, with sand sales transitioning to an auction model instead of the previous depot system. (Brass is a unit used to measure volumes of materials such as sand, gravel, or rubble.) The sand will be sourced from river and creek beds, with excavation, storage, and sales taking place online through auctions.
The government announcement states that 10 percent of sand from each auctioned block will be provided free to household beneficiaries, with a maximum of 5 brass. Furthermore, sand will also be accessible to villagers for personal and community projects, as well as to farmers for well construction.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed reporters that given the ecological significance and scarcity of natural sand, the use of artificial sand (M-sand) will be promoted.
He further mentioned that it will become mandatory to incorporate 20 percent artificial sand in various government and semi-government construction projects, with full compliance expected within three years.
“In addition to river and creek sand, the government will advocate for the use of M-sand made from crushed stone. Public Works and Irrigation Departments will utilize M-sand for their construction needs. To lessen reliance on river sand, we will offer subsidies to M-sand manufacturers,” stated the minister.
He added that under the new sand policy, a single e-auction will be conducted for all sand blocks in the river basin, following approval from the Environment Department.
The auction will be valid for a duration of two years. Additionally, for each sand group identified by the Maharashtra Maritime Board, a separate e-auction will take place, lasting three years.
The government's statement also outlined that sand blocks will be reserved for traditional hand-dug mining methods and allocated under a non-bid licensing system.
If sand accumulation in farmland occurs due to flooding or other natural events, measures will be taken to clear the sand, restoring the land for agricultural use.
A royalty fee of Rs 200 per brass will be imposed on sand extracted from government mines, while Rs 25 per brass will apply to other minor minerals. Furthermore, the movement of sand from other states will be regulated, with a fine of Rs 1 lakh for the illegal transportation of minor minerals by tractor.
In a recent Budget session, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the Revenue Department has reviewed sand policies from various states to craft this new policy, which has been made publicly accessible.
“The department has received numerous suggestions and objections. The objective of this policy is to harmonize demand and supply while eradicating illegal sand smuggling,” the minister concluded.
