PIL In Rajasthan High Court Seeks Implementation of Manufactured Sand Policy; Notices Issued

Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Chandra Kumar Songara were hearing the PIL filed by Dinesh Kumar Goyal and others through Advocate Kuldeep Vaishnav.

Notably, as per the Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2017, "M-Sand" means Manufactured Sand produced by crushing of minerals/ overburden.

As per the petitioners, the implementation of the aforesaid Rules would be beneficial for the public at large because a number of people will get jobs through these manufacturing units and also the state would get revenue from the waste materials lying in dumping yards.

The plea alleged, "Despite the measures undertaken by the State Government, issues of illegal excavation of Bajri, environmental damage and high sand prices, which are interlinked with each other are still in effect, which is very endangering to the public at large."

Further, the plea states that in the entire state of Rajasthan, illegal excavation of Bajri is prominently seen in hampering the safety of the rivers. It adds that the water level of the Western Parts of the State is very low.

It has been also stated in the plea that the dumpers are running in the entire State in a very rash and negligent manner and are causing danger to the safety of the citizens. It further adds that the act and actions of Bajri Mafias are seen in the entire state.

The plea notes that directions have been issued by the Joint Secretary to various departments for use of Mineral M-Sand upto 25% which can be increased upto 50% instead of Mineral Bajri. In this regard, the plea alleges that till date the implementation of various projects of governments has not been made in the spirit of law.

Adv. Kuldeep Vaishnav appeared on behalf of the petitioners.

Case Title: Dinesh Kumar Goyal v. State of Rajasthan

Case No.: D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 12257/2022

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