PWD may crack down on m-sand units

Surprise checks planned to ensure that only quality product enters the market

Turning pricier: The price of m-sand has shot up to ₹16,000 for a truck load (three units) in the wake of huge demand caused by a shortage of river sand.

In an effort to curb supply of poor quality M-sand in the State, the Public Works Department plans to step up surprise checks at the district level and levy fine, or seal units found to be churning out manufactured sand (m-sand) of substandard quality.

Following the severe shortage of river sand, there has been a proliferation of m-sand manufacturing units over the past year and there are over 300 plants spread across the State. However, only 100 to 110 plants were making m-sand with vertical shaft impact (VSI) crusher that is recommended for quality m-sand production and use in construction. Of this, only 23 have got quality approval from the Public Works Department’s assessment committee. About 10 more are awaiting approval.

In great demand

While there is demand for nearly 35,000 loads of sand daily across the State, about 18,000 loads of m-sand were being supplied now besides a limited amount of river sand.

To ensure that quality sand reaches the consumers, PWD engineers have been instructed to prevail upon the manufacturers to ensure quality output. “We have asked the engineers to lift samples of m-sand. If the plant is found making sand not conforming to BIS norms, there are plans to levy fines or seal such units,” said an official.

Shortage of river sand has pushed the construction industry into a crisis. R. Radhakrishnan, former national president of the Builders Association of India, said only 30% of the construction activity was in progress. The demand for m-sand had pushed up the price from ₹6,000 to ₹16,000 a load.

Online booking sought

Panneerselvam, president, Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Co-ordinate Welfare Association, said the State government must fix the price and initiate online sale of m-sand.

Sand lorry owners said only a few river sand quarries were functioning and online booking had been reduced to minimum to supply 1,800 loads daily.

S. Yuvaraj, president, Tamil Nadu State Sand Lorry Owners Federation, said one load (three units) of river sand now was priced at ₹50,000.