M-sand policy to reduce dependence on bajri: CM
JAIPUR: Chief minister Ashok Gehlot said on Monday that the new manufactured sand (M-sand) policy will prove to be a game changer as it has been brought to reduce dependence on river sand for construction works, tackle environment issues and create jobs.
M-sand is a substitute for river sand used in the construction of concrete structures. M-sand is produced by crushing hard granite stone, rocks, or other stones extracted from quarries.
“The policy will boost the use and production of M-sand in the state, and reduce dependence on bajri from the rivers. Along with this, the problem of waste coming out of the mines will also be solved. The starting of new M-sand units will create employment opportunities at the local level,” Gehlot said, addressing the inauguration programme of M-sand Policy-2020.
The new policy gives industry status to M-sand and mandates its use, at least 25% of the sand requirement, in government projects.
The CM said that because of environment-related processes and judicial orders, bajri is not available in the state as per the requirement of construction works. Considering the shortage, the government promised in the 2019-20 budget to bring an M-sand policy to promote manufactured sand as a longterm alternative to bajri.
Mines minister Pramod Jain said that in the policy, M-sand units have been given industry status and necessary provisions have been made to meet the needs of the state after studying policies of other states. “Currently, there is demand of 70 million tonne of bajri in various construction works in the state. This policy will prove useful to overcome the bajri problem under the present circumstances,” he said.
Principal secretary, mines department, Ajitabh Sharma said the new units to be set up under the policy and those already operating in the state will be eligible for the benefits given under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS)-2019.
Currently, 20 M-sand units are operational, which are producing 20,000 tonnes per day. The establishment of new units will be encouraged once the policy is introduced, he added.
In 2017, the Supreme Court had banned river sand (bajri) mining in the absence of environmental clearance and directed for a scientific replenishment study. However, river sand mining is being done on recorded land measuring from one hectare to four hectares. According to official data, there are 90 such sand mines in the state.
Welcoming the new policy, managing director, Rajasthan Mineral Crushing Plant (Udaipur), Rajesh Mudra said the industry status and making 25% mandatory use of M-sand in government project is an encouraging step.