Maharashtra sand mining policy ready, to empower local bodies

Following the Bombay high court’s directives, the state revenue department has formulated a sand mining policy that will be put before the cabinet on Wednesday.

The policy has made it compulsory for contractors to take permission of the Gramsabha, the revenue body at the village level, for sand mining and extraction.

The court had banned sand mining in the state on September 23 owing to the lack of a comprehensive policy and the threat caused to the environment. The court also had directed the government to formulate a policy in four weeks.

The revenue department, to restrict undisciplined sand mining offshore, has proposed direct control of the local bodies over the activity. It also has proposed certain restrictions to protect river beds from further damage.

“We have considered all environmental aspects while framing the policy. After the cabinet’s nod, it will be produced before the court. We hope the issue will be resolved in a week after that as the ban has halted major infrastructure projects,” an official said.

Chief minister Ashok Chavan held a meeting with revenue minister Narayan Rane and key officials on Saturday to discuss the policy.