The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has facilitated online payment for applying for sand, gravel and soil transport permit from today.

Launching of this facility was held yesterday and it will be put into action from today.

Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, GSMB Chairman Anura Walpola and Director General Sajjana de Silva and other officials participated in this event.

“About 1000-2000 people visit the GSMB head office and regional offices daily to obtain sand, gravel, and soil transport licenses,” the minister said.

Minimizing this congestion has given them the opportunity to obtain these facilities online.

The GSMB have issued 777,000 licenses so far this year, he said.

The Minister also said that more than one million licenses need to be issued by the end of this year.

Some people were trying to sabotage the programme and that they were expecting undue benefits from the public, the Minister added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)