Nothing ordinary about ordinary sand

When we hear the word smuggling, it is usually referred to precious metals, narcotics and antiques. However, with time, the list has grown bigger as smugglers are not even sparing things like ordinary sand.

This sand — found in South Gujarat — is low on saline content making it perfect for construction work. Hence, it is a good proposition for smugglers to sell it beyond the state’s prohibitive borders. No wonder, beds of river Tapi, Narmada, Ambika, Purna, Khari and Khapri in South Gujarat are considered to be the source of ordinary sand — with low salinity.

“Low salinity in the sand makes it ideal for construction work. In the absence of salt, process of oxidisation or corrosion with steel is limited. This makes the sand costlier, but construction quality increases. That’s why it is preferred by good construction houses,” said an industry source, on condition of anonymity.

To prevent royalty theft and uncontrolled mining, industry and mines department issued a GR in 2010 banning intra-state sale and export of ordinary sand from Gujarat. “No movement of sand shall be allowed beyond the border of the state. In case, a vehicle is found transporting sand to the neighbouring state even with authorised royalty pass or delivery challan, it shall be treated as violation of the Act and penal provisions as specified shall be applicable,” read the GR issued in June 2010.

Any prohibition or restriction leads to smuggling and in this case, the high quality sand is in good demand. The smuggling business runs into Rs100 crore per year. And, the government not only loses royalty but the river bed is also exploited for personal gains by the miners.

According to industry sources, a minimum of 100 trucks of ordinary sand reach the union territory of Daman and then to other parts of Maharashtra. “A full truck will be around 20 tonne. Some of the miners also have access to large trucks that can carry around 25-30 tonne. This illegal act is being carried out in connivance with other departments,” said an insider.    

A tonne of ordinary sand from South Gujarat generally fetches around Rs1,000. During monsoon when the river beds are flooded, the prices almost double. “There is a huge demand for the low salinity sand in other states. Sometimes, it is also transported to middle-east countries but international trade is limited. The biggest buyer is Maharashtra,” the insider added.