Bengaluru: For the first time in the country, Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) is introducing imported sand for builders and public. MSIL is introducing sand imported from Malaysia and it is available in bags for sale. In Mysuru, Malaysian sand will be available from Jan. 22 (tomorrow).

Sand will be available at Channasandra (Bengaluru district), Bidadi (Ramanagaram district), Doddaballapur (Bengaluru), Kyathasandra (Tumakuru district), Mandya, Mysuru (MSIL outlet on New Sayyaji Rao Road and Hubballi initially).

MSIL Managing Director Dr. G.C. Prakash said, “MSIL has opened sales counters. Price per tonne will be Rs. 4,000 in Bengaluru Urban and it will cost Rs. 4,200 in Mysuru per tonne. Price included fees of Mines Department, import duty, GST and others. The MRP will differ from one centre to another.”

The sand will be available in 50kg bags and 40,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes of sand have 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.

If one tonne in Mysuru will cost Rs. 4,200, for 10 tonnes will cost a buyer Rs. 42,000 inclusive of all taxes. 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.