New Delhi, April 25: Considering Maharashtra government’s plea, Environment Ministry today decided to revoke for two years the moratorium on sand mining in the non-Coastal Regulatory Zone areas of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts.
The state government had informed the Environment Ministry that the “acute shortage” of sand was affecting infrastructure projects in the two districts.
The Ministry, which imposed a moratorium in August last year after considering environment impact of projects from the two districts, said the ban has been lifted for two years, subject to compliance with environment and forest requirements, undertaking climate mitigation measures, and constitution of monitoring committee to ensure compliance of environment requirements.
“The Government of Maharashtra has informed about acute shortage of sand affecting infrastructure projects and construction of affordable houses.
-Agencies