Mumbai, 26 Nov (NationPress) The Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has mandated the immediate suspension and revocation of vehicle permits for sand mafias involved in the unlawful transportation of sand and other minor minerals.

The Revenue Department has disseminated a strict notice today stating that any vehicle implicated in the illegal transport of minor minerals will be subjected to direct enforcement under Section 86 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This will follow a three-tier penalty system, where the first offence leads to a 30-day permit suspension and vehicle impounding, the second offence results in a 60-day permit suspension and further impounding, and the third offence leads to permanent permit cancellation along with vehicle seizure by the Regional Transport Authority.

This directive encompasses all machinery and vehicles operated by the mafia, including JCBs, Poklands, excavators, drill machines, dumpers, full-body and half-body trucks, tractors with trolleys, trawlers, barges, motorised boats, compressors, and mechanised loaders.

“The loss of government income and environmental degradation will no longer be tolerated. Those who intentionally engage in this illegal activity will face severe consequences,” stated Minister Bawankule.

He further added that field officers from the Revenue Department have been instructed to immediately inform the Transport Department when an offending vehicle is spotted, facilitating real-time permit cancellation and vehicle seizure.

“Widespread illegal mining of sand and other minor minerals is inflicting significant damage on government revenue and the environment, in addition to promoting criminal activities. Incidents that jeopardize the safety of government officers and personnel enforcing the law have also been reported. In this context, with the support of the Transport Department, stringent measures are now being enacted to promptly terminate illegal transportation,” clarified Minister Bawankule.

Previously, the minister had revealed that the Revenue and Police Departments would collaboratively take robust action against illegal sand mining and transportation. Vehicles involved will not only incur fines but may also face criminal prosecution.

The Revenue and Home Departments have released a joint government resolution aimed at combating sand mafias through stringent actions concerning illegal sand mining, usage, and transportation, he noted.

Minister Bawankule emphasized that earlier, vehicles caught transporting illegal sand were merely fined by the Revenue Department and subsequently released.

With the new government resolution, both the Revenue and Home Departments are set to act independently against such vehicles.

“If the Revenue Department confiscates a vehicle, the Police will also intervene, and vice versa. This dual approach will lead to fines being imposed by both departments and the initiation of criminal charges,” he elaborated.

Minister Bawankule stressed that no leniency will be afforded to sand mafias.

“Transparent and rigorous enforcement will guarantee justice for the general populace and safeguarding of the environment,” he concluded.