Maharashtra authorities to adopt 20% of artificial sand in their Infrastructural Projects.

On Wednesday, the Public Works Department (PWD) directed all local authorities in Maharashtra to use crushed, artificial or manufactured sand to their limits at least 20% for infrastructural activities.

In this respect, the Government Resolution (GR) was issued under the authority of the governor by the Council. The GR stated that it is time for the use of artificial sand, rather than the natural sand excavated for construction purposes from the rivers and creeks, to change to environmentally sustainable options.

The strategy for use of artificial sand made from crushed stones and boulders was developed and the heads of the department have to implement it, said a senior official of the state revenue department.

“The excavation of sand from the rivers affects the environment with riverside villages, riverbeds and the ecosystem to a large extent. As a result, the riverbanks, land, and structures are affected by the erosion of upstream or downstream of water bodies due to changes in the flow velocity. Therefore, the groundwater and the water table have been impacted by sand excavation,” said the geologist Suyog Jagtap from the Geology and Mining Directorate.

Jagtap, also the former mining officer of the Pune district, was involved in deciding on the use of artificial or manufactured sand. “It’s time to work in the state when enormous infrastructure works are undertaken,” he said.

“People should be made more aware of the use of artificial or manufactured sand, as it will help to reduce the burden of river sand excavation. Especially in the Western side of the state, many rivers are facing huge burdens as their river chains suffer from sand excavation and have an effect on their climate and ecosystems,” Jagtap said. The cost of artificial sand will depend on the distance between the crushing site and the end-use site. “Though, the price will almost remain same or near to the natural sand cost, if the site is near to the crushing site,” the official said.