New rules bring online transparency to sand auctions, says revenue minister
Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule issued new guidelines making sand block and sand ghat auctions fully online for 2025-26
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State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has issued new guidelines aimed at bringing transparency to the auction of sand and sand ghats and curbing illegal mining. Notices for e-tendering and e-auction of sand blocks and sand ghats for 2025-26 have already been issued. This means the entire process will now run online, bidding will be on a competitive basis, and every step will be recorded digitally.
The government's decision is expected to streamline the auction process and check revenue losses. Under the new rules, all sand ghats that have received environmental clearance will now be auctioned together at the taluka level. The new system aims to end the delays that earlier arose from different districts following different procedures.
Three stages have been set for completing the auction process. The first stage will require at least three eligible bidders, the second at least two, and the third at least one. If the auction is not completed even after all three stages, that sand ghat will be reserved for local use.
Along with e-auctions, an e-tender system has now also been made mandatory. If the highest bidder, referred to as H-1, fails to deposit the payment within the stipulated time, the H-2 and H-3 bidders will be given the opportunity. In addition, if any document is found to be missing, extra days will be given to submit it on the Mahatenders portal. District collectors have also been given strict instructions to complete legal action within the set time frame.
Curbing illegal activities linked to sand mining and its transport has been a major challenge for the administration. The new policy aims to bring greater discipline to the entire process, from mining to auction and sale of sand.
The state's mining department has also stressed its responsibility to complete the auction process in the mineral sector transparently. Through the digital system, an attempt is being made to give equal opportunity to all individuals and entities participating in the tendering process.
