Synopsis
Maharashtra's Revenue Minister announces a new sand policy aimed at tackling illegal mining and the sand mafia. The policy, set to be released in eight days, includes measures to ensure sand supply meets demand and promotes environmental conservation.Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government plans to unveil a sand policy in eight days.
- The policy aims to combat illegal sand mining and the sand mafia.
- Promotes the use of sand-producing machines to meet demand.
- Strict actions against suction pumps for illegal sand extraction.
- Free sand for housing projects under Prime Minister Awas Yojana.
Mumbai, March 17 (NationPress) In response to the escalating issue of illegal sand mining and the grip of the sand mafia, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule declared in the Maharashtra Assembly that the state government will unveil a detailed sand policy, complete with a range of punitive measures, within the upcoming eight days.
“The government is determined to eradicate the sand mafia in Maharashtra. Our primary objective is to ensure the supply of sand aligns with demand. Additionally, the government will advocate for the use of sand-producing machines throughout the state, which will help bridge the gap between sand demand and supply,” he stated.
“Moreover, the government will take stringent measures against the employment of suction pumps for sand extraction, as it constitutes a serious violation of environmental regulations and the rulings of the National Green Tribunal. Directives will be issued today to divisional commissioners, instructing them to prompt the tehsildars to eliminate suction pumps and halt unauthorized sand mining activities. Should they fail to comply, the government will contemplate the suspension of non-compliant tehsildars,” he added in response to a motion raised by Nana Patole, Vijay Wadettiwar, and others.
Bawankule noted that the government has already received 235 recommendations from various stakeholders regarding the proposed sand policy.
He encouraged both ruling and opposition legislators to submit their suggestions within the next three days before finalizing the draft sand policy, which will subsequently be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
The minister announced that the government has resolved to provide sand free of charge to individuals constructing homes, particularly in rural areas under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana.
He further informed the Assembly that should sand not be made available, appropriate actions will be taken against the concerned tehsildars.
“A significant number of homes are being constructed in the state by both central and state governments. Under this housing initiative, ample sand will be supplied for house construction. Furthermore, the state government is set to launch the M-Sand scheme, where sand will be produced by grinding stones using crushers in every district. This initiative will provide an alternative to traditional river sand and is included in the proposed sand policy,” he elaborated.
Bawankule also mentioned that the government will soon determine the locations for sand ghats in areas where they have not been auctioned and where the Environment Department has granted approval.
