Rajasthan

Representative image. |Picture source: Moorthy M

In a major policy move to simplify the supply of building materials and curb illegal mining, the Rajasthan government has completed an action plan for demarcation and auctions designated for manufactured sand (M-SAND) units. The decision comes after the state’s recognition of the M-SAND unit as an industry, expanding its official position to encourage investment and development.

T. Ravikanth Chief Secretary (Mine) announced on Saturday (May 17, 2025) that the plan has identified 109 plots. Of these, 77 plots spanning 158 hectares are designated M-SAND units, while 32 dumped plots cover 131 hectares and will also be prepared for electronic auctions. It is worth noting that 26 plots have been successfully auctioned to increase the M-SAND supply in the construction department.

The initiative marks a strategic shift to the 2017 Supreme Court Directive, which bans riverbed sand (often called Bajri) Mining in Rajasthan. Prior to the resumption of mining activities, the top court had ordered a scientific supplementary study and subsequent cleanup from the Ministry of Environment and Forests. This then constitutes a Central Authorization Commission (CEC) to study the issue of illegal sand extraction.

Court intervention has resulted in a sharp decline in availability of legally mined riverbed sand, leading to high prices and the emergence of sand mine mafia operating without violating environmental norms. Although environmental clearances were finally granted in 2022, supply lags have hampered several infrastructure projects across the state.

New policies aimed at reducing dependence on riverbed resources are expected to alleviate supply bottlenecks and enhance environmental safeguards. It enables investors to build M-SAND units while leveraging state-supported incentives and infrastructure support. Officials said the move is also expected to increase public confidence in the quality and practicality of M-SAND construction.

Speaking to officials at a departmental review meeting held in Khanij Bhawan, Ravikanth stressed that promoting legal mining is the key to inspecting illegal extraction activities. He directed the Ministry of Mining to speed up the description and auction of mineral plots, including major and minor categories.

Additionally, Mr Ravikanth said efforts are being made to identify new revenue sources for the sector and plug existing leaks. He noted that at the beginning of the fiscal year, the auction process of 22 major minerals had begun.