As a major step, the government of Madhya Pradesh has banned the transportation and mining of sand in the state with immediate effect for a period of three months. It takes the decision that it would start working during the monsoon period, i.e., July 1 to September 30. Throughout this period, no sand mining activity shall be permissible in any sand quarry around the state.
The law enforcement agencies have explained that this is a norm during the monsoons to conserve the environment as well as to prevent river bed erosion. To ensure that river systems are kept in ecological balance, sand mining is not carried out during the rainy season, as the river systems are very sensitive during this season because of an increase in water and instability of river beds.
During this ban period, the sand that has already been mined and laid at the recognized stockyards up until June 30 will only be allowed for trade and transport. As of July 1, the district administration teams will come to officially approved storage facilities to check the stock of sand. It will carry out this verification on the basis of ETPs (Electronic Transit Passes) that will be handed over in order to monitor and record the amount of sand transported and stockpiled. The passes play a role in assisting authorities to work out the genuine stocks that can be exchanged between July and September.
The state government has also presented guidelines plainly indicating that no sand is to be dredged in or taken out of the riverbeds or the mines during this three-month period. Any breach of such regulation can lead to the severest manner of legal action.
The aim of this temporary prohibition is the sustainable management of the country’s resources and the interest of the government in conserving the natural resources in environmentally sensitive times. The step will aid in regulating unauthorized sand mining and bring in transparency and responsibility in the way sand trade is carried on.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News