UP News: Uttar Pradesh's M-Sand Policy Nears Finalization: A Sustainable Alternative to River Sand

UP News: Uttar Pradesh is putting the finishing touches on its M-Sand (Manufactured Sand) policy, which aims to provide a sustainable alternative to river sand. M-Sand will be produced using overburden, rejects, waste boulders, and stones found in quarries or mines. This policy is essential due to the expected doubling of the demand for river sand over the next five years, making it a critical resource for the construction industry.

Uttar Pradesh's M-Sand Policy Nears Finalization

Presently, approximately three crore cubic meters of minor minerals are generated annually through dredging in river basins where mining activity is permitted in the state. However, the demand for sand and river sand in the construction sector is estimated to be in the range of 7.5-8 crore cubic meters annually.

A Sustainable Alternative to River Sand

The primary goal of promoting M-Sand in the real estate sector is to conserve natural resources and discourage excessive dredging in river basins. The mining department is currently addressing objections and suggestions from industry stakeholders regarding the draft of the M-Sand policy. The department is considering imposing a royalty of Rs 50 per cubic meter on M-Sand, which is significantly lower than the Rs 150 charged for excavating a cubic meter of river sand.

The state government has already granted industry status to entrepreneurs involved in artificial sand production, making them eligible for the same benefits and incentives offered to MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) unit owners.

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