From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Feb 16: Mining and geology minister Murugesh Nirani has promised to unveil the new sand policy for Karnataka that will be a model for the entire country.

After holding a detailed discussion with owners of sand and gravel crusher mining, he told reporters that the new sand and gravel crushing policy to be announced for the years 2021-26 will ensure that construction industry would not suffer by ensuring that the sand will be made available to all in an easy, simple and hassle-free manner.

Under the new sand policy, extraction would be permitted in lakes, tanks and mines. Transporting of sand will be permitted only in bullock carts, tractors or two-wheelers and also ensure that sand will be priced at reasonable rates and will be made affordable.

Those transporting sand in tippers, trucks and other goods vehicles will have to pay royalty, he said making it clear that strict action would be taken if any illegal activities were detected.

The minister said the mines and geology department officials were already studying the sand mining policy of other states and working out to prepare a model policy for the entire country.

He said separate draft sand mining policies were already available for northern Karnataka, central Karnataka and coastal region. "We are consolidating all policies and bringing out a comprehensive policy for the entire state,’’ he said.

Nirani pointed out that sand was not easily available for construction activities and people were finding it difficult to secure sand for building even houses under the Ashraya housing scheme in rural areas besides the sand was very expensive. The new policy will solve all problems, he said.

Except in areas identified for sand mining and extraction which will be auctioned, people will be allowed to take sand from lakes and takes for own use in bullock carts, tractors or two-wheelers. Farmers, poor and ordinary people taking sand for self-use will be exempted from payment of royalty, he said.

The minister said the state government wants to ensure that all those building houses and the construction industry must get sand easily at affordable rates. At the same, the environment must be protected and the general public should not face any problems, he said.

The state government is keen to revive the sand extraction mines which have been suspended and officials were collecting information pertaining to such areas. District-wise data of all the sand extraction mines that have been stopped are being collated, he said.

The minister said the mines and geology department was taking steps to clear all applications for sand mining permits and was planning to introduce single-window agency by involving all departments like forests and revenue so as to solve the problems facing the construction activities.

Asserting that he would not tolerate corruption in the department under any circumstances, Nirani promised to take swift and stern action if any complaints were received.

The minister announced that two officials in the mines and geology department have been suspended in Bagalkot district on charges of permitting illegal activities and causing unnecessary problems to the people.