Chhattisgarh Sand prices shoot up
Sand is being sold at higher prices across the state after Chhattisgarh government decided to hand over the operation of sand mines to Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC). At present, sand is being sold for approxRs 18 cubic foot (CFT) earlier the price was Rs 12 CFT. According to suppliers, the price of sand increased one and half times in local markets after the State government handed over the operations of the sand mines to the CMDC. Supply of sand has been severely affected due to the new policy in the state. Meanwhile, official sources informed that Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh has not imposed any restriction on Panchayats for excavating sand so far. At present, the renewal for lease of minor minerals is being done by the Department under the existing provisions, the officer claimed. The officer said that new policy is being framed for minor minerals and the new policy will be effective after LokSabha elections, officer added. Middlemen are getting benefit of it and they are selling sand at higher prices in the markets. It may be noted that Chief Minister BhupeshBaghel led Congress government decided to hand over the operations of sand mining to CMDC. As Chief Minister BhupeshBaghelgovernment took away the rights from Panchayats for sand excavation, the sand mining rights have been entrusted with the CMDC. The government decided this decision to check illegal sand mining in the state.
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