The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday announced the launch of an online portal, www.tnsand.in , in order to make it easier for consumers and builders to buy sand for construction purposes.
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami launched the scheme before the Assembly session began for the day. The facility would go live from July 1. The general public and lorry owners will be able to specify and procure their sand requirement only after booking through the portal.
“This system, apart from ensuring that the requirements for the sand is met, will also pave the way for making sure that sand is available without any hitch and at low prices,” a statement from the State government said.
Later in the day, replying to a question in the Assembly, the Chief Minister elaborated about the portal. He said lorry owners were given a manual on how to operate the portal, how to book sand, and pay online. “Lorry owners can book sand online and go and load the sand at the specified time. Apart from this, other details such as the lorry registration number, the type of lorry, and other details will be made available online, he said.
Mr. Palaniswami said in another 10-15 days, a facility to make the payment for sand loading will be made available on the portal itself, so that the whole process become seamless and easy.
Mr. Palaniswami added that sand shortage was because the government had to give necessary approvals. “Only during this period (of giving approvals) there is a shortage. Also, there is a situation where to load sand, we have to go through private properties, places where there are no proper roads. There are delays due to that,” he said.
29 quarries in State
The Chief Minister further said currently 29 quarries were in operation in the State. “In six of these, sand is loaded using bullock carts, while in the remaining 24 it is being done using lorries. The shortage of sand will reduce soon and necessary action to open up new quarries and loading of sand will be taken,” he said.
