Base rates undersand extractionpolicy revised

Nagpur: The state govt has revised base rates under sand extraction policy to encourage industries producing eco-friendly sand from overburden — a by-product of coal or iron ore mining and reduce pressure on riverbeds.As per the revised policy, rates and royalty have been fixed for various types of sand and minor minerals extracted from mines of companies such as WCL and MOIL. The rate for washed sand is 2,000 per brass with a royalty of 400 per brass; the rate for sandy overburden is 600 per brass with a royalty of 200 per brass; and rate for other minor minerals is 200 per brass with a royalty of 50 per brass. WCL, MOIL have agreed to levy these charges for immediate implementation.A GR in this regard was earlier issued on April 8, 2025. However, new rates and provisions for sand overburden with aim of increasing entrepreneurial participation. It is believed this policy will open way for construction sector to obtain legitimate and eco-friendly sand, and will also help in curbing illegal excavation. TNN