India, May 14 -- The Maharashtra government on Tuesday cleared a policy to promote the use of artificial sand, also known as manufactured sand or m-sand, in the state as a sustainable alternative to river sand in construction work, according to state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where the state also made the use of m-sand mandatory for construction work undertaken by government and semi-government agencies. To encourage its production, the state will lease land for artificial sand crushers.

"To curb excessive mining of natural sand and promote sustainable alternatives, the state cabinet has approved a policy mandating the use of artificial sand in the construction sec...