Maha to consider allowing import of sand to meet rising demand

In view of a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on dredging of sand from rivers and rising demand from the construction industry, the Maharashtra government is considering allowing import of sand.

Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil gave this information in the Legislative Council here Friday while replying to a debate on a calling-attention notice moved by Vinayak Mete (BJP).

Sudhir Tambe (Congress) urged the government to promote the use of fly ash generated by thermal power plants as artificial sand.

The minister said the government has cleared a proposal to allow use of fly ash in construction of houses, roads, dams and in other construction activities.

Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde (NCP) said the use of fly ash in construction activities has not been tested properly.

To another question, minister Patil said the government has hiked per brass quantity of sand for construction of houses for personal use from two brass to five brass.

On illegal sand mining, Patil said a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh is imposed on a tempo carrying illegally dredged sand. In the case of a truck, the fine is Rs 2 lakh.

The Divisional Commissioner, Aurangabad has been asked to probe illegal dredging of sand at Indalgaon in Ambad tehsil in Jalna district, he said to a question.