The government has delegated powers to approve the artificial sand, or M-Sand (manufactured sand), units to district collectors, who can now sanction up to 100 such units, an increase from the earlier cap of 50
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The Maharashtra government has finalised a policy promoting the use of artificial sand for construction activities and issued an official order to this effect, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI.
In a letter to all district collectors, Bawankule directed the immediate implementation of the policy.
The government has delegated powers to approve the artificial sand, or M-Sand (manufactured sand), units to district collectors, who can now sanction up to 100 such units, an increase from the earlier cap of 50.
As per the new resolution issued by the revenue department, information on suitable land for M-Sand units -- both on public and private properties -- will be compiled and made available on the 'Mahakhanij' portal for auction. A registered undertaking will be required for setting up these units, the minister said, reported PTI.
Bawankule further stated that licences of M-Sand units violating prescribed conditions will be permanently cancelled.
"With the standard operating procedure now in place, there will be no obstacles in implementing the policy," he said, reported PTI.
The minister had earlier said that providing an alternative to natural sand was crucial for environmental protection.
"Efforts are underway to completely stop sand mining from rivers in the future. Ensuring sand availability for construction and simultaneously curbing illegal transportation are key to safeguarding the environment," he had said, reported PTI.
Govt orders checking of sugar institute funds
The Maharashtra government has directed the sugar commissioner to form a committee to audit the funds provided to the Pune-based Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) for research and verify whether they were appropriately utilised, officials said on Tuesday.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, however, said the order issued by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was not part of a routine process. The decision to form the committee indicates that the ruling BJP has now "turned its attention" to Baramati after Thane.
Notably, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar is the president of VSI, while Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and rival NCP leader Ajit Pawar is a member of the research institute.
Baramati in Pune district is the Pawar family's stronghold, while Thane is the political turf of Shiv Sena leader and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
(With inputs from PTI)
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