State to soon have a new artificial sand policy: Bawankule

Nagpur: Maharashtra is set to get a new policy for artificial sand by this month as part of an initiative to reduce dependency on river sand. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday informed that the new M-Sand policy will be discussed during the next cabinet meeting.

M-Sand (Manufactured Sand) is made from crushing stones and is gaining acceptance as an alternative to river sand in construction activities. "This new comprehensive policy will be discussed during the next cabinet meeting. In every district we will have 50 crushers (to make M-Sand), so there will be enough supply. Once the project is implemented, there won't be any need for river sand in construction activities," Bawankule said

Kundan Hate, a well-known environmentalist, said while the govt's move is welcome, it's always better to conduct a pilot project. "This is a very new concept. At this point we are not aware of the environmental impact of the use of stones on such a massive scale, especially as we are talking about statewide implementation. It is best to first implement it at a small level," Hate said.

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10 Sand Depots Closed In Nagpur

The revenue department has started a statewide crackdown on sand depots following allegations about norm violations. "Govt has asked all divisional commissioners to send a report about performance of sand depot operators in their jurisdiction. We have asked for these reports within the next three days. After this we will take a call on action against erring operators," Bawankule said.

As many as 10 sand depots were closed in Nagpur. The action, in the home turf of Bawankule, has highlighted the tough stance of the govt on the pressing issue. "We had been receiving complaints from citizens about irregularities by the operators of these depots. On Friday, 10 depots in Nagpur district were shut down and an inquiry has been ordered," Bawankule said.

So far, no shortage of sand has been reported in the district. A senior official in the district collector's office said, "Those who require sand book well in advance at these depots. So, while booking has stopped now, those who did so earlier will get sand delivery."

A sand dealer from Nagpur, said that thanks to the delivery of sand from neighbouring districts of Bhandara and Gondia there won't be any shortage in Nagpur.

Nagpur: Maharashtra is set to get a new policy for artificial sand by this month as part of an initiative to reduce dependency on river sand. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday informed that the new M-Sand policy will be discussed during the next cabinet meeting.

M-Sand (Manufactured Sand) is made from crushing stones and is gaining acceptance as an alternative to river sand in construction activities. "This new comprehensive policy will be discussed during the next cabinet meeting. In every district we will have 50 crushers (to make M-Sand), so there will be enough supply. Once the project is implemented, there won't be any need for river sand in construction activities," Bawankule said

Kundan Hate, a well-known environmentalist, said while the govt's move is welcome, it's always better to conduct a pilot project. "This is a very new concept. At this point we are not aware of the environmental impact of the use of stones on such a massive scale, especially as we are talking about statewide implementation. It is best to first implement it at a small level," Hate said.

BOX

10 Sand Depots Closed In Nagpur

The revenue department has started a statewide crackdown on sand depots following allegations about norm violations. "Govt has asked all divisional commissioners to send a report about performance of sand depot operators in their jurisdiction. We have asked for these reports within the next three days. After this we will take a call on action against erring operators," Bawankule said.

As many as 10 sand depots were closed in Nagpur. The action, in the home turf of Bawankule, has highlighted the tough stance of the govt on the pressing issue. "We had been receiving complaints from citizens about irregularities by the operators of these depots. On Friday, 10 depots in Nagpur district were shut down and an inquiry has been ordered," Bawankule said.

So far, no shortage of sand has been reported in the district. A senior official in the district collector's office said, "Those who require sand book well in advance at these depots. So, while booking has stopped now, those who did so earlier will get sand delivery."

A sand dealer from Nagpur, said that thanks to the delivery of sand from neighbouring districts of Bhandara and Gondia there won't be any shortage in Nagpur.