Illegal Sand Mining in Maharashtra

The Minister of Mines and Development of North Eastern Region Shri B.K. Handique has said, some instances of illegal mining of sand has come to notice of Government. Since sand is a minor mineral, for which all powers of regulation are empowered to the State Governments concerned, the respective State Governments are required to frame policy and rules for sand mining.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today he said, as per available information in respect of Maharashtra, in the last 3 months action has been taken against 4672 cases and penalty of Rs.5,00,12,672/- has been recovered from persons responsible for unauthorized sand mining. Further criminal cases have also been registered against 61 cases and 349 vehicles has been seized. The State Government of Maharashtra has formulated a revised policy for excavation of sand vide Government Resolution No. Gaukhani 10/0208/C.R.32/Kh. Dated 25.10.2010 in which specific provision has been included to take action against illegal excavation of sand.

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NSK/DB