A solution could be found for unlimited sand mining, much of it illegal, if M Sand proves to be a sound alternative to mined natural sand as manufacturers claim.
The M sand campaign comes in the backdrop of the Madurai bench of Madras high court ordering the closure of some sand quarries on Cauvery River bed few days ago and environmentalists strongly appealing that smuggling be curbed in order to protect the natural sand resources of the state.
‘M’ sand promises not only to save natural resources but also bring down the cost of construction by nearly 30 per cent.
TN Manufactured Sand Producers Association president K. Chinnasamy says; cost of ‘M’ Sand produced by crushing stone would be 25 per cent less than natural sand.
He told reporters that the use of ‘M’ Sand would reduce cement consumption between three and six per cent.
The cost factor would really help builders in far off places as transportation input accounts for a major portion of the price of natural sand.
Pointing out that M sand has good market already in places in Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, for which sand is sourced from Tiruchy, Mr Chinnasamy admitted that it would not be viable for places like Tiruchy and Villupuram, where natural sand quarries are available aplenty and are close by.
Attributing the relatively less patronage for their produce now to low awareness level among the people, the producers said the price of ‘M’ sand would come down further when more production units are opened across the state.
In a bid to popularise ‘M’ sand, the manufacturers have appealed to the government to use the produce in all government projects. They have sought an appointment with chief minister to brief her on ‘M’ sand benefits.of ‘M’ sand.