Finally, the decks are being cleared to facilitate import of “packaged” sand from Malaysia with the government set to amend some of the rules concerned.
Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra told reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday that Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) will soon start importing Malaysian sand after getting final clearance from the government. He said that the import could start within this calendar year itself.
According to him, the sand will be imported in bags with a size of 50 kg each. However, the price appears to be on a higher side as it is expected to be in the range of ₹3,500-3,800 a tonne as against the prevailing rate of ₹2,600 a tonne. When queried about this, the Minister said the prices were on a higher side as it was being made available in a packaged form.
On the issue of withdrawal of cases booked against farmers involved in protest related to Mahadayi row, the Minister said though the State Cabinet had decided to withdraw the cases, the courts concerned would have to take the final call.
