U.P. C.M. Yogi Adityanath Advocates for M-Sand as a Sustainable Alternative to River Sand

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for the swift implementation of a new policy promoting the use of M-Sand (manufactured sand) as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional riverbed sand and murram. This directive comes in light of the increasing demand for construction materials and the environmental challenges associated with river sand extraction.

Focus on Sustainable Development

In a recent meeting with officials from the Department of Geology and Mining, C.M. Adityanath emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability. “Our effort should be towards sustainable development without harming the environment and river ecosystems,” he stated. M-Sand, being a manufactured product, offers a way to meet construction demands while minimizing the environmental impact of traditional sand extraction methods.

C.M. Adityanath pointed out that the limited availability of riverbed sand, combined with the growing construction sector, necessitates finding alternative solutions. He highlighted that M-Sand could not only reduce environmental degradation but also create new job opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

Quality Assurance and Policy Implementation

A key aspect of the proposed M-Sand policy is the assurance of quality. C.M. Adityanath has mandated that all M-Sand manufacturers must obtain Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. “Ensuring good quality M-Sand is crucial,” he said. The policy will also involve the Department of Geology and Mining as the nodal agency responsible for coordinating with licensees and stakeholders at both state and district levels to streamline M-Sand production and distribution.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the availability of M-Sand should be both convenient and affordable. The policy aims to make M-Sand available at prices lower than those of natural sand while strictly adhering to environmental standards at manufacturing units.

Streamlining Processes and Enforcement

To facilitate the smooth implementation of the new policy, C.M. Adityanath has directed officials to simplify the issuance process for the e-Abhivahan form (EMM-11), which is required for mineral transportation. The process will be streamlined at the district level with a defined processing timeline.

Additionally, the Chief Minister has called for the enhancement of task forces to prevent vehicle overloading during the transportation of minerals. These task forces will consist of officials from the district administration, police, transport department, and the Department of Geology and Mining, and will be tasked with real-time monitoring of mineral transport using a geo-fencing tracking system.

Barren Land Utilization and Price Control

C.M. Adityanath also addressed the issue of land use for brick kilns, directing officials to promote the use of barren land instead of fertile land. The government will engage with entrepreneurs to raise awareness about this practice to avoid compromising agricultural land.

In addition, the Chief Minister reviewed storage arrangements for sand and murram, noting that the number of storage sites has increased from 533 in the previous year to 645. He also emphasized the need for effective price control measures during the rainy season to ensure affordability.

Enforcement and Compliance

During the meeting, it was reported that the number of enforcement actions against illegal activities related to sand and mineral extraction had risen significantly. From 44,547 actions in 2022-23, the number increased to 57,539 in 2023-24. As of May 2024, 9,451 enforcement actions have already been initiated.

C.M. Adityanath’s initiative to promote M-Sand is seen as a step towards achieving sustainable development in the construction sector, balancing economic needs with environmental protection.