Maharashtra announces new sand policy: free sand for villagers, farmers and government housing
The Maharashtra government has introduced a new sand policy to control illegal mining and ensure easy availability of sand for important works. According to the new rules, 10 per cent of sand from every mining block will be given free for government housing schemes, villagers and farmers.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting held in Mumbai, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Under the policy, people building houses under government schemes will get 5 brass of sand free of cost. Villagers and farmers will also get 5 brass of sand for free. This will help with village development works and the construction of wells on farms.
The earlier method of selling sand through depots has been cancelled. Now, sand will be collected from rivers and creeks and sold through online auctions. This change aims to bring more transparency.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the government is also encouraging the use of artificial sand (M-sand) to protect the environment. From now on, 20 per cent artificial sand must be used in government construction projects. Over the next three years, the use of artificial sand will become compulsory in all such works.
Artificial sand, made from crushed stone, can be used for public works like roads and canals. To support this, the government will give subsidies to manufacturers of M-sand.
Other features of the policy include online auctions for sand blocks under local officers for a period of two years. For sand in coastal areas, auctions will be held for a three-year period. Some blocks will be reserved for sand mining using traditional hand-digging methods and will not require bidding.
In cases where floods or natural causes leave sand on farmlands, it can be removed to make the land suitable for farming again. The royalty for sand taken from government mines will be Rs 200 per brass. For other minor minerals, it will be Rs 25 per brass.
To stop illegal sand coming from other states, strict guidelines have been issued. A fine of Rs 1 lakh will continue for illegal transport of sand using tractors.
The new policy aims to stop illegal activities, protect the environment and make sand more accessible for people who genuinely need it.
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