Chhattisgarh moves to curb sand hoarding, regulate prices

In an effort to curb the hoarding of sand and contain its escalating market rates, Chhattisgarh Government has decided to ensure its supply at a "fair price" to people and construction sites in the State.
"Complying with the order of Chief Minister Raman Singh, the State administration is all set to ensure supply of sand at a fair price to various construction sites in Chhattisgarh," a Government official said here today.
The sand suppliers are charging way too high price for the key construction material compared to its actual cost (including royalty and transportation charges). This in turn is adversely affecting construction works, he said.

Maintaining there has been an unexpected rise in sand rates recently, the Government has asked District Collectors to take action against illegal mining and regulate the prices after having discussion with suppliers, transporters and Gram Panchayats which monitor sand mining operations in their respective areas, he said.
The Collectors have been instructed to ensure the Gram Panchayats operate the sand mines themselves and not allow any other entity to undertake the work.
No mining activities should take place without environment clearance and illegal excavation must be curbed, the official said.
Vivek Dhand, Additional Chief Secretary (Panchayat and Rural Development), has asked the Collectors to submit within 15 days, report on compliance with directives on sand mining, he said.

A video conference with the Collectors on the issue will be conducted soon, the official added.