Why Did Maharashtra Impose a Fine of Rs 28.50 Crore for Illegal Minor Mineral Excavation?

Mumbai, July 15 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has levied a substantial penalty of Rs 28.50 crore for the illegal extraction of 49,994 cubic feet of minor minerals, notably sand, in Gaur, Parbhani district, as part of a stringent effort to tackle unlawful mining practices in the area.

On Tuesday, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule disclosed in the Legislative Council that if the fine is not settled by July 17, action for seizure will commence. The issue of illegal mining in Gaur, located in Purna taluka, was brought to attention by Leader of the Opposition Ambadas Danve during the session.

Danve pointed out the local administration’s lack of action regarding the illegal mining activities in Gaur.

In response, Revenue Minister Bawankule stated, “After the inquiry initiated by the Leader of the Opposition's question, a site visit revealed that excavation occurred without proper authorization. A fine has been imposed, and a deadline of one month until July 17 has been established for payment. Non-compliance will lead to seizure actions.”

The minister further noted that rigorous measures have been implemented to prevent illegal mining, including drone surveillance and electronic transport permits. The evidence gathered during the investigation in Gaur prompted swift enforcement actions.

The government is also enhancing its efforts to thwart similar incidents in the future through strict regulations and advanced technological solutions. Minister Bawankule emphasized that this action will act as a significant deterrent against illegal mining activities.

Meanwhile, Minister Bawankule informed the Legislative Council about widespread violations of the Fragmentation Law occurring in the Koregaon constituency of Satara district.

In response to inquiries by MLC Shashikant Shinde, Bawankule revealed that numerous officials granted permissions without proper authority, effectively undermining the law. It has surfaced that there was collusion between agents and officials.

Bawankule stated, “In Koregaon, there have been extensive violations of the Fragmentation Law. Approvals for fraudulent subdivisions were issued under the pretense of borewells. Permissions were granted unlawfully for lands designated for residential use. This issue stems from a mindset that disregards legal frameworks.”

He assured that while some ordinary citizens have built homes on these lands, no unjust actions will be directed towards them. However, agents who exploited the vulnerable and engaged in wrongdoing will face criminal charges.

The Revenue Minister reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring justice for the underprivileged while not tolerating the collusion of agents.

A list of culpable officials is currently with the government, and a departmental inquiry is projected to be completed within a month.

“Individuals who breached the law and issued permissions for these lands will undergo thorough investigations and face stringent actions,” Bawankule proclaimed in the House.

Addressing a specific concern, Bawankule pointed out, “During the land subdivision, it was classified as being in the Green Zone. However, agents and others secured approvals by misrepresenting it as a Yellow Zone in the proposed development plan. This was uncovered during the inquiry, revealing attempts to alter zoning classifications for monetary gain, even in the absence of an approved Development Plan.”

He further noted that such large-scale fraud could not have occurred without the involvement of officials, and accountability will be established for both agents and officers.

Similar violations of the Fragmentation Law have been identified in other regions of the state, and police agencies will participate in investigations of all such cases.

Against this backdrop, Bawankule stated, “The government recognizes its errors and is taking action. Our position is to provide relief to the impoverished while imposing strict measures against lawbreakers.”

MLC Shashikant Shinde applauded the government's courageous decision on this matter. However, he urged the administration to make appropriate decisions regarding the Fragmentation Law in rural areas as well.