PWD panel to check quality of M-sand

According to PWD (sand mining wing) officials, the demand for M-sand is shooting up as there are only a few river sand quarries functioning in the state at present. This demand has led to steep escalation of the cost of  M-sand from Rs 3,500 to Rs 6,500 per unit now. 

However, builders have complained of inferior quality of M-sand, which is in much demand now. S Ramaprabhu, secretary of Southern Centre of the Builders Association of India, said, “M-sand is playing a crucial role for construction industry. However, quality should be checked at regular interval, as there is dust and other particles in it. Further, the government should stop exporting sand to other states like Kerala and Karnataka so that the price reduces.” Taking stock of the complaints, the authorities have now stepped in. 

“We have formed an assessment committee to check the quality. At present, around 200 to 300 companies supply M-sand in the state. Builders and individuals receive 2,000 loads of M-sand per day, while river sand supply is 5,000 loads per day,” said a PWD official, on condition of anonymity. 

The official expressed confidence that the situation would change after the opening of river sand quarries in the state, when there will be competition between M-sand manufacturers and river sand. 

“This will pave the way for improving quality and reducing price of both kinds of sand,”  he added. A specially appointed officer (sand mining), said that the department has already floated e-tender for opening sand quarries in the state. 

“We will open the quarries by next week and we will also form separate monitoring committee for regulating sand river,” the official said. As far as M-sand was concerned, a committee would do quality check frequently, he added.