The Tamil Nadu government, on Wednesday announced the launch of a portal, www.tnsand.in, which will allow builders and consumers to buy sand for construction purposes online. The facility will go live from July 1, reports The Hindu.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced the scheme in the assembly.

It is reportedly aimed at ensuring unhindered supply and practical rates. According to reports, general public and lorry owners will be able to specify and procure their sand requirement only after booking through the portal now.

“Lorry owners can book sand online and go and load the sand at the specified time. Apart from this, other details such as the lorry registration number, the type of lorry, and other details will be made available online," he reportedly said.

He further attributed the delays and shortage of sand supply to the lack of necessary approvals and condition of roads in private properties where it is procured.

This move comes after criticism over the high cost of sand when it reaches the buyer. Legislators reportedly complained that the cost of sand was as much as Rs 40,000 per load, when it reached the end-user. But the government price was just Rs 1,600 per load.

"Tamil Nadu's initiative, a long-pending demand of the sector, will help reduce long waits at sand quarries and stockyards," Tamil Nadu State Sand Lorry Owners' Association president S Yuvaraj told ToI.