Yogi government will soon bring first m sand policy

 * The state government will encourage M sand as an alternative to sand.

*  Directorate of Mines held a meeting with the stakeholders regarding the policy draft of M Sand.

Government will provide industry status to M Sand, MSME sector will be able to get benefits*

The final draft of the policy will be implemented after cabinet approval.

* Lucknow, 31st May 2023.* Due to rapid urbanization and large scale construction activities, there has been a tremendous increase in the demand for sand. However, the scarcity of sand is a problem affecting many countries including India. In view of this problem, the Uttar Pradesh government is going to bring an M sand policy to encourage the use of manufactured sand (M sand).

On Wednesday, the officials in the Directorate of Geology and Mining had an in-depth discussion with various stakeholders regarding the draft of the policy. A presentation in this regard was also given by the Directorate, while several suggestions were given on the policy by the stakeholders. After discussing the suggestions of the stakeholders, a final draft will be prepared, which will be kept in the cabinet.

In the meeting, Secretary and Director of Mining Department Roshan Jacob said that the state government has prepared the draft of the policy after studying the policies of several states. Due to the increase in the prices of sand across the country, there has been an increase in the demand for M Sand. Along with this, in view of the alternative of river sand in future, the state government wants to implement it through policy. He told that sand has reduced in the rivers Also there are many restrictions in its mining. In near future we will get less sand. We have to learn from states like Karnataka and Maharashtra where 50 to 90 percent of M sand is being used He told that the purpose of making the policy is to supply sand in future. Quality will be of special importance in its manufacturing. He told that the M sand produced should conform to the standards of BIS. The quality of M sand is more than normal sand. Many institutions have also confirmed this. The quality of Maurang is not good in Uttar Pradesh. We also have to understand this thing and the public also has to understand that this sand will be much better than that.He said that right from the construction of the plant till its approval, the concessions given by the government will be taken care of. Along with this, environmental standards should also be taken care of in production.

According to Additional Director Vipin Kumar Jain, M-Sand is a form of artificial sand, which is manufactured by crushing large hard stones, mainly rocks or granite, into fine particles, which are then washed and finely graded. Is. It is widely used as a substitute for river sand for construction purposes. Apart from this, em sand can be made in many ways.

He said that we are trying to get M Sand industry status so that the benefits available under MSME can be provided. The Chief Minister also believes that the more MSMEs are there, the more will be the growth. With this, the industry can get benefits ranging from capital subsidy to stamp duty. There will also be a provision of power subsidy in the first 5 years.

Apart from this, the use of M sand up to 25 percent can be made mandatory in government contracts, which will be increased to 50 percent later. The departmental officer will be appointed as its nodal officer, who will implement the policy. Its promotion will also be done departmentally. The stakeholders also gave their consent regarding the industry status.

Suggestions received from stakeholders*

Subsidy should also be provided for converting crusher plant into M sand plant.

River sand should be banned at some places on trial basis.