Bengaluru: To ease the acute shortage of sand in Karnataka, the State Government will start the distribution of Malaysian Sand through Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) from Dec. 25 or 26. MSIL sources said that the sand will be available in open market from Jan. 1. The sand will be available in 50 kg bags and 40,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes has been imported. Government sources said that the packaging of sand after weighing has been completed and the stock will be supplied to all MSIL outlets across the State including Bengaluru, Mysuru and Hubballi. A 50 kg bag of Malaysia Sand will cost Rs. 190 and 20 bags (one tonne) will cost Rs. 3,800 inclusive of all taxes. Likewise, 10 tonnes will cost a buyer Rs. 38,000 inclusive of all taxes and it will result in a savings of Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 22,000 as the present sand price in State is Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 65,000. Sources said that sand import from Malaysia will put brakes on illegal sand supply and also the trade where sand is mixed with mud. Before procuring Malaysian Sand, buyers will have to submit documents to local MSIL authorities regarding the need for sand, the building plan, the estimated cost of the house and other details. At present, private operators have been collecting Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1 lakh per tonne of sand.
COST FACTOR
