<p>Bengaluru: The government is implementing a comprehensive policy to ensure citizens can buy sand in an hassle-free manner, said Minister for Mines, Geology and Horticulture S S Mallikarjun. </p><p>The policy, announced in the state budget, is being implemented by the Department of Mines and Geology. </p><p>In a press release, the minister said sand from designated I, II and III grade riverbeds would be extracted and distributed for gram-panchayat level works at a fixed rate of Rs 300 per metric tonne. </p><p>Sand from higher-grade IV and V stream/riverbeds is for designated public-sector organisations and government departments, while private and public institutions can access sand blocks through tenders. Amendments have been made to tender regulations for sand block allocation, he added. </p>.Illegal sand mining: 23 boats seized in Karnataka's Mangaluru.<p>Under the policy, district-level sand committees will conduct the tender process for allocation of sand blocks. Sand blocks in each district will be reserved for SCs, STs, persons with disabilities and general categories as per roster system, Mallikarjun said. </p><p>The government has fixed a uniform selling price of Rs 850 per metric tonne for sand across the state. This includes 50 per cent of ceiling price and 60 per cent of ceiling price will be the cut-off price. Participants quoting lowest bids near or equal to price limits will be awarded tender. If multiple bidders quote the same price, the successful bidder will be chosen through lottery. </p><p>The tender process will be conducted via e-Portal, and district-specific notifications will be issued for interested individuals, private companies or organisations to apply. </p><p>Guidelines and tender documents have been provided to all district offices. For details, contact KA Mahaveer, Deputy Director, Department of Mines and Geology, at 9972111002. </p>
<p>Bengaluru: The government is implementing a comprehensive policy to ensure citizens can buy sand in an hassle-free manner, said Minister for Mines, Geology and Horticulture S S Mallikarjun. </p><p>The policy, announced in the state budget, is being implemented by the Department of Mines and Geology. </p><p>In a press release, the minister said sand from designated I, II and III grade riverbeds would be extracted and distributed for gram-panchayat level works at a fixed rate of Rs 300 per metric tonne. </p><p>Sand from higher-grade IV and V stream/riverbeds is for designated public-sector organisations and government departments, while private and public institutions can access sand blocks through tenders. Amendments have been made to tender regulations for sand block allocation, he added. </p>.Illegal sand mining: 23 boats seized in Karnataka's Mangaluru.<p>Under the policy, district-level sand committees will conduct the tender process for allocation of sand blocks. Sand blocks in each district will be reserved for SCs, STs, persons with disabilities and general categories as per roster system, Mallikarjun said. </p><p>The government has fixed a uniform selling price of Rs 850 per metric tonne for sand across the state. This includes 50 per cent of ceiling price and 60 per cent of ceiling price will be the cut-off price. Participants quoting lowest bids near or equal to price limits will be awarded tender. If multiple bidders quote the same price, the successful bidder will be chosen through lottery. </p><p>The tender process will be conducted via e-Portal, and district-specific notifications will be issued for interested individuals, private companies or organisations to apply. </p><p>Guidelines and tender documents have been provided to all district offices. For details, contact KA Mahaveer, Deputy Director, Department of Mines and Geology, at 9972111002. </p>
