The Maharashtra cabinet has officially approved a long-awaited Sand Policy aimed at making sand more accessible for construction and ensuring an efficient system for its distribution. Under the new policy, 5 brass of sand will be made available free of cost to individuals building houses for their own use. In a significant shift from the past, the extraction and sale of sand from river and creek beds will now be conducted through e-auctions, replacing the earlier online sale and depot system.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde chaired the state cabinet meeting where the new sand policy was approved. The policy aims to make sand more affordable for people building homes and reduce the challenges they face in sourcing it.
The extraction and sale of sand from river and creek beds will be conducted through an auction system. This move is expected to ensure a more transparent and competitive process, addressing previous concerns over pricing and distribution. Under the policy, sand extraction will be regulated through e-auctions, and the rights to extract sand will be awarded to the highest bidder.
Given the environmental importance of natural sand and the depletion of riverbed sand, the government has decided to encourage the use of artificial sand (M-sand), which is made from stone crushing. To promote this, it will be mandatory to use 20% artificial sand in all government and semi-government construction projects, starting with various public buildings. This requirement will gradually increase, and within the next three years, artificial sand will be compulsory for construction across the state.
E-Auction and Licensing for Sand Groups
The policy also lays out guidelines for the e-auction system. After obtaining the necessary environmental clearances, each district’s sub-divisional officer will collectively release e-auctions for all sand groups in their jurisdiction. The auctions for riverbed sand will be valid for two years, while those for creek-bed sand will last for three years. The e-auction system is expected to ensure transparent distribution of sand rights and provide equitable access for sand extraction.
Free Sand for Rural and Agricultural Needs
As part of the policy, sand from areas not covered under auctions — such as smaller rivers, streams, and local sand groups — will be made available free of cost to local communities. It will be accessible to villagers for constructing homes and for agricultural uses such as digging wells. In cases of natural disasters, such as flooding, where sand accumulates on agricultural land, this sand will be made available for reclamation and agricultural use.
Traditional Sand Extraction and Penalties for Illegal Transportation
The policy also preserves traditional methods of sand extraction, such as the use of hand tools (Haatpati–Dubi) by local sand groups. These groups will receive licenses under a non-tender system to carry out sand extraction. Additionally, there will be penalties for the illegal transportation of sand. A fine of ₹1 lakh will be imposed on those caught transporting sand illegally using tractors.
Sand Pricing and External Sand Regulations
In line with the new policy, the government has introduced a pricing system for sand extracted from mines. The rate for sand from overburden material (wash sand) will be ₹200 per brass, while for other minor minerals, the price will be ₹25 per brass. Furthermore, the state will regulate the import of sand from other states to curb illegal transportation and ensure fair pricing in the local market.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, speaking to the media, shared additional details about the policy. "The state government has approved the Sand Policy today, including provisions for villages near riverbeds and creek beds to lift sand for constructing their houses. We are bringing changes to the old sand policy and have decided to discontinue the depot system. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to sand and that the middle class benefits from affordable pricing," said Bawankule.
The minister also announced that the state government would introduce a separate M-Sand Policy next Tuesday. M-sand, made from stone crushing, is expected to be more durable and efficient for construction purposes compared to natural sand. The policy will mandate the use of M-sand for projects managed by the Public Works Department, irrigation department, and other government agencies.
Bawankule further noted that the government is addressing issues related to the transport of sand from neighboring states and will enforce strict controls to prevent illegal activities.
The newly approved Sand Policy is expected to streamline sand distribution, provide affordable access for construction needs, and ensure the sustainable extraction of this vital natural resource in Maharashtra.
