M-sand policy likely to come into force in a few months with more changes

The M-sand policy is likely to come into force in a few months with more changes, pertaining to points corresponding to licence and transport, integrated in it.

The Public Works Department has revised the timeframe to renew the licences for quarries and M-sand manufacturing items following representations from federations. This was introduced at a assembly with stakeholders, together with representatives of presidency businesses, convened on Saturday to enhance the draft M-sand policy.

Those who personal each quarries and M-sand manufacturing items could now renew licences issued by the PWD as soon as in 5 years, as a substitute of three years, alongside with different licences offered by the Department of Mines.

Similarly, producers who take quarries on lease could renew their licences as soon as in three years as a substitute of yearly, in accordance to officers.

In his presentation on the draft policy, K.P. Sathyamurthy, Joint Chief Engineer (Buildings), PWD, highlighted the procedures for getting licences, periodical checks, measures to streamline the commerce and in addition the penalty for violations.

“We have approved 270 M-sand manufacturing units so far across the State for quality. While 60 applications are under scrutiny, nearly 450 manufacturers are yet to seek approval. Once the 110-page M-sand policy is in place, we will have more powers to control adulteration and violations in manufacturing and transport,” he stated.

For occasion, these working with out getting their licences renewed or high quality approval or those that are responsible of creating adulterated materials would appeal to a penalty of two years in jail and a wonderful of ₹5 lakh. If items are discovered to be producing poor high quality materials, they might be given two months to rectify the errors and fined ₹1 lakh. Similarly, lorries transporting the fabric with out correct paperwork would face penal motion.

Representatives from the associations of quarry homeowners and manufacturing items famous that solely the licences of the manufacturing items should be cancelled as a substitute of a ban on your entire quarry operations for violations. Officials stated the demand can be thought of.

When the problem of worth management and streamlining of value throughout the State was raised, officers stated M-sand manufacture was largely dominated by non-public gamers and it wants to be mentioned.

Sella Rajamani, president, Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Federation, stated, “We demanded that transporters not be held responsible for overloading by manufacturing units. We also sought free transit passes and surveillance cameras in the units. M-sand should be loaded only after the dry process.”