BHOPAL | Nov 13, 2017: The state government's new 'sand mining and sale policy 2017', which empowers village panchayats to excavate sand from rivers barring Narmada is likely to be tabled before the state cabinet on Tuesday.

The draft policy was to be finalised and implemented by the mid-October. It, however, got delayed as the process of getting recommendation from experts and gathering public views could not be completed in time. The policy, has now been submitted to the chief secretary and is likely to come up for discussion in the state cabinet soon, said mining department sources.

"The draft of new sand mining policy of the state reached the government. We are waiting for a final nod to implement the same. Suggestions were made in the new policy and as per recommendations, village panchayats will be authorised for sand mining from rivers except Narmada. They can sell sand and collect royalty," Manohar Lal Dubey, secretary and managing director MP State Mining Corporation, told TOI.

He said the government has also recommended use of machines to excavate sand from the river bed. However, it could be done after environment clearance, he said.

Sources in the state secretariat said the mining policy has been prepared with recommendations from IIT Kharagpur experts, who are studying effect of sand mining on rivers in the state.

Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had announced a ban on sand mining from May 22 after reports of illegal mining by sand mafia from rivers, including Narmada. The ban continued till September 30 and was lifted from October 1 with government hinting at a new sand mining policy soon.

A draft was prepared on the new policy to give sand mining rights to village panchayats across the state and suggestions were invited from the public. Sources said after the process, the government is likely to table a supplementary agenda in the state cabinet scheduled to be held on Tuesday.

It was also suggested village panchayat will manually excavate sand and get royalty through its open sale.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)