TS Govt will provide them with necessary support to encourage M-Sand usage

Young entrepreneurs from SC/ST communities as well as Vaddera community are all set to get an opportunity to establish manufactured sand (M-Sand) plants in Telangana State.

The State government will provide them with necessary support to encourage M-Sand usage and reduce natural sand mining. A first-of-its-kind M-Sand plant will be established in Rangareddy district shortly.

After reviewing opportunities for setting up the M-Sand plants here on Saturday, Mines Minister KT Rama Rao said the Vaddera community lost livelihood following establishment of stone-crushing units in the State over the last few years.“They are well-versed with this work and can succeed in M-Sand production with some training and support,” he felt. He also wanted the SC/ST youth to set up M-Sand plants for which the State government was ready to provide necessary support including incentives.

Financial assistance will be provided to entrepreneurs under SC/ST sub-plan and other resources besides providing necessary training in skill development. The officials have been directed to prepare estimations on district-wise demand and supply of sand for the next one year including requirement of sand for housing projects in both government and private sectors. The Mines department has been advised to prepare an action plan for sand supply as per demand.

The Minister asked the officials of police, revenue and mines departments to form joint teams to curb illegal sand mining and initiate strong action in cases where sand quarrying is being carried out against norms.A district-wise mapping of the sand reaches also is being prepared, in this regard. The lease agreements of about 517 non-working mining leases have been terminated till date since the State formation.

The officials informed that using technology like drone camera, the mining activities were being monitored in the State on a pilot basis to bring transparency. They said that the Telangana State Mineral Development Corporation (TSMDC) was participating in bids to take up for mining activities in other States.With regard to setting up Bayyaram steel plant, the Minister is likely to hold a meeting with the officials of National Mineral Development Corporation, Singareni Collieries Company Limited and the Mining department.