In the meantime – no doubt because no time should be lost when it comes to ‘developmental needs’ – they are considering giving provisional permission for new sand extraction in blocks of less than five hectares. This government is committed to anything that makes big money quick, with the construction industry – the biggest user of sand –surely ranking at the top of the grimy list. The world is actually facing a global sand disaster, even ‘sand wars’, as the mismatch between the demand and supply of this precious commodity worsens. Increased police patrolling and the installation of CCTV cameras at sand extraction sites to stop illegal and excessive extraction are two of the measures being considered. And, if it is mainly for profit, doesn’t this industry need a serious rethink?

Source: The Herald September 17, 2022 05:44 UTC