Maharashtra’s M-Sand Policy (2025)
Maharashtra’s M-Sand policy, as delineated in Government Resolutions (GRs) dated 23 May 2025 and 17 July
2025, implements a comprehensive strategy to mitigate sand scarcity while promoting environmental
sustainability and regulatory compliance. The policy leverages diverse material sources, including quarry
overburden, construction debris, and minor mineral quarries, to produce Manufactured Sand (M-Sand), thereby
reducing dependence on ecologically detrimental riverbed sand extraction (Government of Maharashtra,
2025a). Quality assurance is ensured through adherence to Indian Standards IS 383:2016, IS 1542:1992, and IS
456:2000, which specify requirements for concrete, plaster, and structural integrity, respectively, ensuring M-
Sand’s suitability for construction applications (BIS, 2016; BIS, 2000). Regulatory oversight is facilitated by
the “Mahakhanij” digital platform, which streamlines licensing, enforces GPS-tracked transportation, and
implements geo-fencing to prevent illegal mining activities (Government of Maharashtra, 2025b). Economic
incentives, including a reduced royalty rate of ₹200 per brass compared to ₹400 per brass for natural sand, and
the designation of M-Sand units as industrial entities, foster widespread adoption (Government of
Maharashtra, 2025b). Environmental sustainability is prioritized through mandatory Consent to Establish
(CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) certifications from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB),
alongside requirements for water reservoir creation during mining operations to enhance groundwater recharge
and support ecological balance (Government of Maharashtra, 2025a). This multi-faceted approach positions
Maharashtra’s M-Sand policy as a scientifically grounded model for sustainable construction material
management.
Comparative Analysis with Other Regions
Maharashtra’s M-Sand policy, as outlined in the Government Resolutions of 23 May 2025 and 17 July 2025,
establishes a robust framework for sustainable construction material management, which can be contextualized
through a comparative analysis with other regional and global approaches. In Tamil Nadu, the M-Sand policy
emphasizes private sector participation and mandates compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
certifications to ensure quality (Tamil Nadu PWD, 2020). However, it lacks the advanced digital monitoring
systems, such as Maharashtra’s “Mahakhanij” platform, which employs GPS tracking and geo-fencing to curb
illegal mining activities. Kerala’s approach incentivizes M-Sand production through subsidies, fostering
adoption, but faces challenges in maintaining consistent quality control and effective enforcement, limiting its
scalability compared to Maharashtra’s stringent regulatory mechanisms (KSPCB, 2021). Karnataka’s policy
integrates M-Sand production with construction waste recycling, aligning with circular economy principles,
yet it does not prioritize water conservation measures, such as Maharashtra’s mandate for creating water
reservoirs during mining operations (Karnataka MMCR, 2016). Globally, Australia and the United Kingdom
utilize recycled aggregates and employ advanced monitoring techniques, including remote sensing, to ensure
sustainable sand management (CSIRO, 2020). Singapore’s adoption of blockchain technology for supply chain
transparency provides a model for enhancing traceability, which Maharashtra could incorporate to further
strengthen its M-Sand policy (BCA, 2022). These comparisons highlight Maharashtra’s leadership in
integrating digital tools and environmental mandates, while also identifying opportunities for adopting global
innovations like blockchain and advanced recycling techniques. Maharashtra’s policy excels in digital
integration and environmental mandates but could adopt global innovations like blockchain and advanced
recycling technologies.
Scientific and Technical Aspects of M-Sand
Production Methods
Manufactured Sand (M-Sand) is produced through a systematic process involving the crushing of hard rocks,
such as granite and quartzite, using vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers, followed by multi-stage screening to
achieve particle size distributions compliant with IS 383:2016 standards (BIS, 2016). The production process
utilizes diverse raw material sources to promote sustainability and resource efficiency. Quarry overburden
from major mineral mines, such as coal, is repurposed to minimize waste generation and environmental
impact. Construction debris, including demolition waste, is recycled to reduce landfill pressure, aligning with
circular economy principles. Additionally, rocks extracted from minor mineral quarries, regulated under the