Modi government is putting sand from rivers to great use. Here’s what it is

This move by the Indian government to use sand from rivers to construct national highways can be termed as an innovative step.

Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the government will boost infrastructure by innovative solutions.

"Yamuna's sand will be used for construction of National Highways. State support agreements to be signed which will allow use of sand from their rivers for construction of highways. NHAI will dredge rivers free of cost," said Gadkari.

Also, going a step ahead, Gadkari said that BS-VI fuel standards will be implemented from 2020.

"India will leapfrog to BS-VI from BS-IV. Roads transport ministry has asked automobile manufacturers to leapfrog from BS-IV to BS-VI to reduce vehicular pollution," the minister added.

He also noted that India was not utilising water transportation efficiently and announced that 30 floating water ports and seven permanent ports will be built on the holy River Ganga.

(Image: Reuters)