Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 8: In a major move to curb illegal sand mining and dismantle the sand mafia network, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday cleared the much-anticipated sand extraction policy.
Under the new policy, beneficiaries of government housing schemes will be entitled to five brass of sand free of cost. The sale of sand will now be conducted through online auctions, replacing the traditional depot-based system. Sand excavated from river and creek basins will be stored and sold through a transparent e-auction process.
According to the state government, 10 per cent of the sand from each block will be reserved for free distribution to households up to 5 brass per family as well as for community and agricultural purposes, including well construction in rural areas.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, addressing the media, said the policy seeks to preserve natural sand reserves while promoting sustainable alternatives like artificial sand (M-sand). To reduce dependency on river sand, the government will mandate the use of 20 per cent M-sand in all government and semi-government constructions initially, with full transition expected in three years.
“M-sand made from crushed stone will be promoted for use by departments such as public works and irrigation. We also plan to provide subsidies to M-sand manufacturers to encourage production,” Bawankule said.
The minister added that a single e-auction will be conducted for all sand blocks in each district’s river basin, with a two-year validity. For coastal areas under the Maharashtra Maritime Board, a three-year e-auction will be carried out.
Traditional hand-dug sand extraction methods will continue under a non-bid licensing system. Additionally, sand accumulated on farmlands due to floods or other natural causes will be cleared to restore the land for cultivation.
The policy also revises royalty rates Rs 200 per brass for sand extracted from overburden in government mines and Rs 25 per brass for other minor minerals. Strict penalties remain in place, including a Rs 1 lac fine for illegal sand transportation by tractor. Sand inflow from other states will be closely regulated.
Bawankule noted that the Revenue Department had examined sand policies from various states and invited public feedback before finalising the policy. “Our aim is to balance demand and supply while completely eliminating the menace of illegal sand smuggling,” he said.
