Developers in Maharashtra have urged the state government to ensure smooth availability and accessibility of manufactured sand (M-Sand) following the finalisation of the standard operating procedure (SOP) in July to phase out river sand mining across the state.
M-Sand, a fine aggregate produced by crushing hard rocks such as granite, has been increasingly embraced by developers as a reliable alternative to river sand. While builders have expressed readiness to adopt it, they emphasised the need for the government to expedite approvals, strengthen supply chains, improve infrastructure, and streamline transportation, particularly to rural and remote areas. If M-Sand is easily accessible even in distant regions, reliance on river sand will naturally decline. Transporting M-Sand should also be hassle-free.
Members of CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India) highlighted that logistical challenges, especially traffic congestion, remain a major hurdle. They recommended maintaining a verified list of approved M-Sand manufacturers, which would enable builders to source material from nearby suppliers efficiently. “Having a verified supplier list and streamlined transport regulations will help reduce both costs and delays,” said a core committee member.
The committee also suggested deploying mobile testing laboratories and contractor training centres in remote areas to ensure quality and raise awareness about M-Sand. Officials from the state revenue department added that while policies to halt river sand excavation are being finalised, engagement with stakeholders across departments and district collectors is essential to address practical challenges.
Builders emphasised that each project requires a specific mix-design report based on raw materials, water quality, and local conditions. “Earlier issues with plaster quality have been resolved through research and development. The final product meets high standards,” one builder explained.
Developer bodies further urged simplification of royalty payments and faster environmental clearances for mining. They recommended an automated approval system to reduce bottlenecks and highlighted plans to list public and private land parcels suitable for M-Sand units for auction on the state’s ‘Mahakhanij’ portal.
By addressing these operational and logistical issues, developers believe Maharashtra can successfully transition from river sand to M-Sand, supporting sustainable construction practices while minimizing environmental impact.
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