Hit by severe shortage of river sand, Karnataka is exploring possibility of allowing import of sand from Indonesia and the Philippines to meet the growing demand by the construction sector in the State for the sand. A Cabinet Meeting held recently has approved a plan of action to allow import of sand which is expected to increase the construction coast drastically. According to TB Jayachandra, law Minister of Karnataka said in view of the severe shortage of river sand Karnataka is exploring possibility of allowing import of sand from Indonesia and Philippines.
He said, “'Realty players are faced with acute sand shortage. Procurement of sand is a big issue and we’re exploring its import. The Government will also promote M-sand to reduce dependence on natural sand.”
Karnataka needs 24 million tonnes of sand annually and only 4 million tonnes available naturally. Maharashtra is already importing river sand and Karnataka perceive this to save drying rivers due to illegal sand mining on the river banks.
However the experts feel it would increase the cost of construction and also say state should promote M Sand which is already been in use across State.
Meanwhile the State Government will come out with a new sand policy which will incorporate the demands of the three coastal districts to allow locals to extract sand.
Jayachandra said that the people of three coastal districts — Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada — have been demanding that they should get sand at cheaper rates. “They also demand that, only after meeting the local needs, sand should be transported to other districts,” he said. “These demands and other aspects will be taken up at the next State Cabinet meeting before finalising the new policy,” he added.
Jayachandra said a Cabinet sub-committee discussed the attack on Udupi deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis and assistant commissioner Shilpa Nag by a gang which was involved in illegal sand mining.