Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government has officially finalised and implemented a policy to promote the use of artificial sand (M-Sand) in construction activities, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Tuesday.
In a directive to all district collectors, the minister ordered the immediate execution of the new policy. Under the revised guidelines, district collectors can now approve up to 100 M-Sand manufacturing units — doubling the earlier limit of 50.
According to the revenue department’s resolution, details of available land for establishing M-Sand units — including both public and private properties — will be listed on the ‘Mahakhanij’ portal for auction. Setting up such units will require a registered undertaking, and any units violating prescribed conditions will face permanent licence cancellation.
Bawankule stated that with a standard operating procedure now in place, the implementation process will be smooth and transparent. He also reiterated that the shift toward artificial sand is vital for environmental conservation, as the government aims to eventually eliminate river sand mining altogether.
“Ensuring a sustainable alternative to natural sand while preventing illegal sand transportation is key to protecting the environment,” the minister said.
