Now, 80 per cent uses M-sand, says EPS

Responding to the queries of former minister and DMK MLA V Senthil Balaji (Aravakurichi), the Chief Minister said, “M-sand when produced by proper machines can be used as a better substitute to river sand. M-sand reduced the increasing demand of river sand for domestic consumption as well as scarcity of sand.”

Senthil Balaji, in the Assembly debate, said that if the state government is strictly following the ban on mining river why is permission granted for mining river sand using bullock cart in Tiruchy and Namakkal districts alone. If permission can be granted in the two districts for mining sand permission should also be given for sand mining using bullock carts in Karur district, too, since there is severe shortage of sand for construction activities, said Senthil Balaji.

The Chief Minister replied that M-sand is an alternative to river sand and M-sand will prevent damage to environment by rationalising the use of river sand in a conserved manner. For promoting the use of M-sand, PWD buildings organisation is issuing certification based on the eligibility by making inspection and ascertaining the standards maintainedby the industry.

“PWD is also taking all effective steps to promote usage of M-sand to ensure eco-restoration,” said Chief Minister Palaniswami.