Thursday, October 21,
The Maharashtra Government on Wednesday approved a new sand mining policy, which makes it compulsory for contractors to obtain permission from the Gramsabha, (the elected body of villagers) for sand mining and extraction.
The policy says the Revenue Department should give sand mining licences only through a bidding process.
The policy has given direct control to the local bodies over the sand mining activities and has placed severe restrictions to protect river beds from damage.
Sand mining in Maharashtra is a contentious issue, many activists have pointed out the environmental hazards of rampant mining.
Currently, there is Bombay High Court ban on sand mining in the State. The real estate lobby has sought lifting of the ban as they claim that their projects are getting delayed.
Last month, the court had banned sand mining in the State due to absence of a comprehensive policy and also due to the threat to environment. It had directed the Government to formulate a policy in four weeks.
Source: The Business Line
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