Better alternative to M-Sand gravel in terms of quality and cost – Director, Mines and Petroleum
If rivers and the environment are to be saved, M-Sand will have to be given priority as an alternative to gravel. Broadly, this conclusion emerged on Tuesday at Udyog Bhavan during a direct interaction with M-Sand unit holders of the state by Director Mines, Mr. Sandesh Nayak. Use of M-Sand in the construction industry, Mud in the Bricks industry and Shilt in the Cement industry. Zero loss mining will also be possible like fly ash.
Director Mines and Petroleum Mr. Sandesh Nayak said that the state government has implemented the M-Sand policy to encourage the availability and use of M-Sand as a cheap and easy alternative to gravel. After the release of the policy, annual production of about 1.25 crore tonnes of M-sand has started by 36 M-sand units in the state. Coordinated efforts will have to be made to promote the use of M-Sand in the construction sector including private and real estate sector in the state. In the M-Sand policy issued by the state government, it has been made mandatory to use at least 25 percent M-Sand as an alternative to gravel in government construction works. Similarly, the public will have to be motivated for the use of M-Sand in the construction works of the private sector. He clarified that apart from being a better alternative to gravel in terms of quality, M-Sand is cheaper and more useful.
Assuring about the simplification of the M-Sand policy, Mr. Nayak said that the practical suggestions of the unit holders would be examined so that both the M-Sand industry and the use of M-Sand could be promoted in the state. He also emphasized on the need to conduct awareness programs by the departmental officers and unit holders at the local level with mutual coordination and cooperation.
Additional Director Mr. BS Sodha told that a solution will be found to the practical problems of the unit holders, while coordinated efforts will have to be made to promote its use. M-Sand unit owners from different districts gave their suggestions in the meeting.
