New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) The environment ministry Monday decided to revoke for two years the moratorium on sand mining in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts following the state government's plea that the ban is affecting infrastructure projects.

The ministry had put a moratorium August 2010 after considering environment impact assessment of projects from the two districts.

"The state government has informed about acute shortage of sand affecting infrastructure projects and construction of affordable houses. The matter was reviewed by the ministry and it has been decided to lift the moratorium in non-coastal regulation zone area in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts," said a statement.

The moratorium has been lifted for two years, subject to compliance with environment and forest requirements, undertaking climate mitigation measures, and constitution of monitoring committee to ensure compliance of environment requirements.