Maharashtra scraps barcode system, to track sand mining with SMATS

By Kartik Lokhande 
Maharashtra Government has scrapped the barcode system that was launched to curb illegal mining and transportation of sand. Instead, the Government has decided to use mobile phone-based system -- Sand Mining Approval and Tracking System (SMATS).
The erstwhile Congress-NCP Government in Maharashtra had started implementing a new Sand Mining/Disposal Policy vide Government Resolution dated March 12, 2013. The policy included an important provision of barcode system. Under the system, use of barcoded passes was made mandatory for transportation of sand. However, as barcoding also failed in curbing the illegal mining and transportation of sand, the Government has decided to come up with an advanced tracking system. Under SMATS, the Government has also revised guidelines relating to mining and transportation of sand, to bring uniformity.
SMATS will be implemented from the current financial year 2014-15, of which only three months are remaining. SMATS is a mobile phone-based system developed by MahaOnline. The agreements to be entered into by Revenue Department with contractors, will have a clause for mandatory use of SMATS. Under the said system, participant in the auction/tender process will have to register his/her three mobile phone numbers. It will be mandatory for successful bidder/contractor to send an SMS on given mobile phone number in SMATS. The SMS should have details like name and number of sand block allocated, quantity of sand excavated and transported in each of the vehicles, points between which the vehicles will carry sand, distance between these two points, etc.
Once these details are received on mobile phone number given under SMATS, the said contractor will receive a token number through a reply SMS. Unless the said contractor receives token number, he will not be able to transport sand. If a contractor transports sand without token number, such transport will be rendered ‘illegal’. Appropriate action under relevant laws will be taken against contractor concerned. Action will also be taken if contractor concerned does not have ‘valid’ token number.
Flying squads constituted by Revenue Department will check if contractors transporting sand have valid token numbers. Violations by contractors will attract action under Sections 48 (7) and (8) of Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, relevant provisions under Maharashtra Minor Minerals Excavation (Development and Regulation) Act, and guidelines in GR dated March 12, 2013.
To familiarise the and contractors with SMATS, Revenue Department may conduct training session if successful contractor deposits 1/4th of price at which a sand block is allocated to him. District Collectors have been given freedom to further strengthen the tracking system if such strengthening initiatives do not attract financial liability for the Government.

Some major guidelines

* Decision to accept or reject the highest bid quoted will be reserved with Collector/Additional Collector

* Successful highest bidder will have to sign an agreement on stamp paper of Rs 100/- stating that he will deposit remaining amount within 15 days of payment of 1/4th of bid value. Those not signing the agreement, will face confiscation of 1/4th of bid value paid, and the sand block in such case will be reauctioned. If the agreement is not done within given time-frame, the Government will not be responsible for loss of contractor.

* In re-auction, if a sand block draws lesser price than the previous bid value, the difference between both amount will be recovered from previous successful bidder as ‘land revenue dues’. However, if the re-auction fetches higher price than previous bid value, the previous successful bidder will not be entitled to any benefit.

* No excavation of sand permitted in 600 metres (2,000 ft) on both sides of railway bridges, and 100 metres from columns of bridges across rivers/nullahs

* No sand excavation permitted in area of Kolhapuri Type weirs and areas declared as restricted by Archaeological Survey of India

* If the Government cancels allocation of sand block or imposes ban on excavation during the contract-period, the said contractor will not be able to file a suit against the Government

* Irrespective of the date of conduct of auction process, the auction period will end on September 30 every year. Sand block once allocated will not be changed

* Contractor concerned should ensure that no environmental norms are violated while excavating sand

* If a contractor is carrying sand in quantity more than that conveyed to the administration through SMATS, such sand stock will be rendered ‘illegal’. Such stock will be auctioned