What Stern Action Will Be Taken Against Illegal Sand Mining?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced a strict crackdown on illegal sand mining. The collaboration between the Revenue and Police Departments aims to enforce severe penalties and criminal charges against offenders, ensuring justice and protecting the environment. This initiative marks a significant step towards curbing the sand mafia's influence in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration between Revenue and Police Departments to combat illegal sand mining.
- Introduction of criminal charges for vehicles involved in illegal activities.
- New government resolution aims to curb the influence of sand mafias.
- Ongoing work on the Jhansinagar Upsa Irrigation Scheme since 1996.
- Environmental protection is a priority in new measures.
Mumbai, July 16 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Wednesday during the state assembly session that the Revenue and Police Departments will now collaborate to enforce stringent measures against illegal sand mining and its transportation. Vehicles involved in such activities will not only incur fines but may also face criminal charges.
The Minister noted that a joint government resolution from the Revenue and Home Departments aims to combat the sand mafia through severe actions against illegal mining, usage, and transportation.
Previously, vehicles caught in illegal sand transport were fined by the Revenue Department and subsequently released. Under the new resolution, both departments will independently take action against these vehicles.
“If a vehicle is seized by the Revenue Department, the Police will also take action, and vice versa. This will lead to fines and potential criminal charges from both departments,” Bawankule explained.
The Minister emphasized that this updated policy introduces stricter measures to combat illegal sand mining. “This government resolution will be accessible to the public, and implementation will commence immediately. The sand mafias will not be shown any leniency. Our transparent and strict measures will ensure justice for the public and protect our environment,” he added.
Additionally, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan mentioned that a meeting is set to discuss the remaining tasks of the Jhansinagar Upsa Irrigation Scheme. The project is under review for necessary approvals from the Central government, following a query from Member Rajkumar Badole in the state assembly.
Mahajan stated that the initial administrative approval for the scheme was granted on October 18, 1996, with a revised approval on March 18, 2017. Although some parts of the project are pending due to their location in forest areas, work has been ongoing since 1996 at a cost of Rs 95.68 crore until May 2025.
Irrigation has commenced in certain areas since 2022-23. The project area was included in the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve in 2013-14 and later designated as an environmentally sensitive buffer zone in 2016. On August 29, 2024, officials from the Forest, Wildlife, and Water Resources Departments conducted a joint inspection.
He clarified that permission from the National Wildlife Board is essential for completing the remaining work on the Jhansinagar project.
Point of View
The government's decisive action against illegal sand mining reflects a growing recognition of the environmental and social impacts of such activities. By enforcing stricter measures, authorities aim to uphold the rule of law while safeguarding the interests of local communities and the environment. This approach demonstrates a commitment to both accountability and sustainable resource management.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions will be taken against illegal sand mining?
The Maharashtra government will implement strict measures, including fines and criminal charges, against vehicles involved in illegal sand mining.
Who will enforce these new regulations?
Both the Revenue and Police Departments will work together to enforce these regulations.
What does the new government resolution entail?
The resolution aims to curb sand mafias through stringent measures against illegal mining, usage, and transportation.
Is there any leniency towards sand mafias?
No, the new policy emphasizes no leniency will be shown towards sand mafias.
What is the current status of the Jhansinagar Upsa Irrigation Scheme?
The scheme is under review for necessary approvals, with some work pending due to its location in forest areas.
