BHOPAL | Nov 23, 2017: This one gives 'Mitti Ka Bhaav' a whole new meaning. The Madhya Pradesh government is in talks with some giants in the e-retail industry to sell sand. If it all works out, you can compare sand prices online — the way you do for mobile phones or hotel rates — pay digitally, and have it delivered at your doorstep.

Just about a week ago, the state government opened sand mining to all and sundry, saying it will "generate employment opportunities and provide sand at cheaper rates". If the online sand-shopping deal works out, just about anyone may be able to mine their own sand and sell it as well.

The state mining corporation has initiated the process for developing a portal to provide a platform for online shopping firms and buyers of sand. MP would be the first state to do so.

Department secretary Manohar Lal Dubey confirmed that the proposal is in the pipeline. Online shopping portals have been contacted and things should proceed in positive direction, he said.

Officials believe it will reduce the cost of sand and make it easier for those who are building houses have it delivered. Under the new sand policy, the state government aims to wipe out the contractual system and open sand mines for all. Officials said the current contracts will not be renewed once their lease gets over.

Anyone can choose a place to mine, pay royalty at Rs 125 per cubic meter to panchayats, and get digging. Officials said that a buyer can get sand directly by arranging his own workers and transportation or could get it through a contractor. Online sale and purchase adds a whole new dimension.

Prices of sand vary from place to place and also in the way it has been mined — manually or with machines. In sand mines where machines are allowed, it's cheaper.

Officials said apart tying up with online shopping portals, an e-trading portal is being developed where buyers and local suppliers can conduct deals on sand. The Sand Mining Corporation will monitor it at the district-level. This is a different initiative from the sale of sand through online portals and would be implemented by next month, since the corporation only has to develop the software for this, an official added. There was also a proposal to fix the price of sand, but the government turned it down.

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