Rules being framed for offshore sand mining : GSI Director

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 28, 2016 :  Regulations are being framed by the Union Government   with regard to offshore sand mining  in the West Coast, informed  Geological Survey of India Director General M Raju.

Speaking to press persons here on October 27, Thursday, he said  the move will be  greatly beneficial to the construction sector. Stating that mining has to be done beyond CRZ zone in offshore sand mining, he said  this would require relaxation of a few regulations on the  part of the Union Government.

So far as many as four to five sand pockets  have been  identified and it is estimated that nearly 2000 million tonnes of sand may be available in these sand pockets, he informed.

 On deep sea sand mining, he said once sand is mined for few years, the same activity cannot be conducted there for a few years. Mining can be continued once the  place returns to its original state, he said.