Latest news with #M-Sand
India Today
2 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Encroachers on state-owned land to get ownership rights in Maharashtra
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday announced that the state government will grant ownership rights to individuals who have encroached on state-owned land prior to 2011. The move is expected to benefit nearly 30 lakh households across the state.'This policy covers encroachments on state-owned land such as collector land, grazing land, and zilla parishad land,' said Bawankule. 'Encroachments up to 500 square feet will be regularised free of cost. Larger plots will need to be purchased at the current ready reckoner rate.'advertisementThe cut-off date for eligibility under the scheme is January 1, 2011, in line with an earlier protection granted in 2018. Beneficiaries will also be eligible for housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), ensuring they are not rendered SAND (M-SAND) POLICY The minister also announced that the Maharashtra Government has finalised the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Artificial Sand (M-Sand) Policy. The policy aims to put a complete stop to sand mining from the state's rivers by promoting the use of manufactured the new framework, details of suitable public and private lands for M-Sand units will be made available on the 'Mahakhanij' portal for auction. Registered undertakings will be required to set up these units. The government plans to conduct awareness campaigns, including workshops, camps, and webinars, at the district level to ensure widespread SCHEME FOR SINDHI REFUGEESIn a significant relief for displaced families, the state has approved a special amnesty scheme to regularise land leases in 30 notified areas where Sindhi refugees were settled post-Partition, excluding estimated 5 lakh people are expected to benefit from this move. Under the scheme:A 5 per cent premium on the 1989 Ready Reckoner Rate will be charged for residential properties up to 1,500 sq properties will be charged a 10 per cent exceeding 1,500 sq ft will attract double the applicable decision provides long-awaited legal ownership to families that migrated from West Pakistan during the communal unrest following India's independence. CRACKDOWN ON FAKE BIRTH CERTIFICATESBawankule further revealed that the state government is taking steps to address the issue of illegal birth certificates held by Bangladeshi nationals residing in Maharashtra. A task force will verify and cancel such of now, around 45,000 fake birth certificates have been identified. This number may rise in the coming days. The verification and cancellation process will be completed by August 15, under the supervision of District Collectors.- Ends
Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Maharashtra finalises SOP for M-Sand Policy, ‘Aims to stop river sand mining completely,' says minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule
The Maharashtra Government on Tuesday finalised the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing the Artificial Sand (M-Sand) Policy aimed at completely stopping sand mining from rivers in the state. As per the Government Resolution issued by the Revenue Department, information on suitable land for M-Sand units on public and private properties will be compiled and made available on the 'Mahakhanij' for auction. A registered undertaking will be required for setting up M-Sand units. According to Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, with the SOP now in place, there will be no obstacles in implementing the policy. Providing an alternative to sand is essential to safeguarding the environment. Therefore, efforts are underway to stop sand mining from rivers completely in the future,' Bawankule said on Wednesday. Ensuring sand availability for construction and simultaneously curbing illegal sand transportation are critical for environmental protection, Bawankule said. The GR stated that the auction process would be conducted for land parcels up to five acres. However, individuals or entities found guilty of illegal mining or transportation will be barred from participating in the auction. Proposals must include a 'Consent to Establish' certificate from the Pollution Control Board, a No Objection Certificate from the planning authority, an Industry Base Registration Certificate, and necessary permissions under the Maharashtra Minor Mineral Extraction Rules, 2013. The SOP provides guidelines for local authorities on implementing the policy that is meant to encourage the use of M-Sand as an alternative to natural sand to maintain the environmental balance of rivers. M-Sand is manufactured by crushing hard stone rocks into sand-sized particles. As per the SOP, existing quarry leaseholders can also apply through the 'Mahakhanij' system for M-Sand production. Upon government approval, the old quarry lease will be cancelled, and a new M-Sand quarry lease will be executed, said the resolution. M-Sand unit holders must apply separately for concessions from the Industry Department. The first 50 projects in each district will be eligible for concessions from the Revenue and Industry Departments. A secondary transport permit will be mandatory for the sale and transportation of M-Sand, the GR stated. Unit holders must establish the unit within six months and obtain a 'Consent to Operate' from the Pollution Control Board before starting production. The Deputy Collector will serve as the nodal officer for the implementation of this policy.
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Rajasthan has minerals from iron to gold, let's create mining model balancing growth, sustainability: CM
Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated that Rajasthan is progressing rapidly in the mining sector through transparent processes, ease of doing business, and infrastructure development. He called for the creation of a mining model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 'Let us ensure our mining practices not only fulfill present demands but also inspire future generations,' he urged. 'Our goal is to establish Rajasthan as a leading hub in mining,' he said, encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in the state. 'Minerals ranging from iron to gold are found here in abundance, and the state government is fully committed to extending all possible support.' Chief Minister Sharma and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy attended the felicitation ceremony of 7-star and 5-star rated mines, organised by the Indian Bureau of Mines at the Rajasthan International Centre on Monday. Sharma highlighted that the star rating system not only evaluates mining operations but also promotes environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 'Under this system, mining leases are assessed based on key parameters such as scientific mining practices, sustainable development, water management, afforestation, and social accountability,' he said. He congratulated the award-winning mine representatives and announced that a similar rating and evaluation system will be implemented in Rajasthan. The Chief Minister noted that Rajasthan is a 'museum of minerals' with 57 varieties of metallic and non-metallic minerals currently being extracted. The state contributes 12 per cent to the total value of mineral production in India. He added that Rajasthan has achieved a record in auctioning mining leases of major minerals. 'Out of 500 blocks allocated across the country, Rajasthan alone has allotted over 100 — more than 20 per cent,' he said. Additionally, 960 minor mineral plots and 137 quarry plots have also been successfully auctioned in the state. CM Sharma pointed out that during the previous administration, mining royalty revenue in 2023–24 stood at Rs 7,460 crore — a mere 3 per cent increase. 'Due to our proactive efforts, this rose to Rs 9,228 crore in 2024–25, a 24 per cent increase and a record figure,' he said. He reiterated the state government's zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, citing the launch of three special campaigns to curb unlawful activities in the sector. The Chief Minister said the government has introduced a new policy to promote M-Sand as an eco-friendly alternative to gravel. Entrepreneurs establishing M-Sand units are being incentivised under this initiative. He also mentioned the state's ambitious 'Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan', inspired by the Prime Minister's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. 'We aim to plant 50 crore saplings during our tenure. Last year alone, over 7.5 crore saplings were planted, and 10 crore more are being planted this monsoon,' he added. Chief Minister Sharma emphasised that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country has seen transformative development. 'Pro-poor welfare schemes have empowered the most marginalised. Terrorism and Naxalism have been decisively curbed,' he said. He described the Centre-State 'double engine government' as a force working tirelessly to ensure progress in every sector. 'Rajasthan, the largest state in the country, is now emerging as a land of immense opportunities. Investment avenues are abundant in education, industry, tourism, and more,' he said. In conclusion, the Chief Minister called for the creation of a mining model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 'Let us ensure our mining practices not only fulfill present demands but also inspire future generations,' he urged. During the event, CM Sharma and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy felicitated the representatives of 7-star and 5-star rated mines.
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Man takes truck for a spin in Chennai, caught after 9 km chase
CHENNAI: The busy GST Road on Tuesday afternoon witnessed a high-speed chase by the police and motorists after a man sped away with a lorry that was parked on the roadside near Peanur toll plaza. Sources said the 37-year-old man, suspected to be suffering from mental illness, managed to drive the vehicle for around 9 km before he was caught after the vehicle crashed into a roadside barricade. The chase was on a par with the scene taken out of an action thriller, as at one point of time, Special Sub-Inspector (Traffic) Balamurugan, in a bid to persuade the man to stop the truck laden with M-Sand, climbed on to the vehicle's footboard where he clung on until it came to a halt. Sources said the man, hailing from Tirunelveli, took away the truck when its driver, Kamalakannan, stepped out to recharge the FASTag.
