In an initiative aimed at revenue generation, freeing riverbeds of silt and obtaining sand for infrastructure projects, the state government is contemplating open tendering for dredging sand from major dams.

Taking note of a report pointing at loss of storage capacity of dams and a Bombay high court directive, the state revenue department had set up a committee to look into the issue. “The committee report is being studied by the water resources department. We are framing a policy for open tendering for dredging of sand and expect huge revenues. The rising demand for sand will also be met,” revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat told HT.

A revenue department officer said this would be the first such project in the country. “Sand from major dams can last more than 10 years,” he said.

However, experts in the irrigation sector are sceptical. “Building new dams is cheaper than desilting. I hope this project does not prove to be another source of corruption,” said Pradeep Purandare, an expert from Aurangabad