The state cabinet has cleared a newsand mining policyto crack down on the illegal extraction of sand. The policy bans auctions, introduces tendering for sand extraction and caps sand price at Rs 133 per metric ton on a pilot basis for a year to make it more affordable.
The policy, which had been announced in the state assembly.
The price of sand will be capped at Rs 600 per brass (Rs 133 per metric ton). “This will make sand more affordable to the public for construction,” said revenue minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.
The government will stop auctions for the extraction of sand. Instead, it will float tenders for sand extraction, transport and construction of sand depots. Once the sand is extracted, it will be sold by the government through its depots through an online process. Hence, the government will be involved in the sale of sand.
A committee will be formed under the tehsildar to monitor sand extraction near rivers. Committees will also be formed at the taluka-level and district-level.