Mumbai: The sand mafia is under pressure

Mumbai: The government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken stringent measures to curb illegal sand mining and clamp down on sand mafias in the state. The rights concerning minor minerals have now been delegated to the district collectors. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s department has taken concrete steps to control the activities of sand mafias. This decision is to be implemented immediately, and a circular has been issued by the revenue department in this regard.

Key Points:

• Immediate implementation of the decision.
• Aimed at dismantling the sand mafias in the state.
• Ensuring transparency and regularity in minor mineral excavation processes.
• Streamlining the decision-making process at the district level.

The necessary instructions regarding this decision have been sent to all district collector offices. Previously, these rights were held by the Additional District Collectors, but in a move to enforce strict action against sand mafias and bring more transparency to the regulatory process, the new system has been introduced.

This move is considered crucial for improving the regulation of minor minerals in the state. By delegating powers to the district collectors, it is expected that irregularities in sand excavation will decrease, and stricter actions against sand mafias will be easier to implement. The revenue department has clarified that this decision will help deliver justice to the public and assist in maintaining ecological balance.

Curbing Illegal Sand Mining:

The revenue department teams tasked with curbing illegal sand mining have faced increased attacks from sand smugglers. With the lucrative profits from sand excavation, many local youths have entered this business, ignoring government regulations. Sand smugglers have even created their own illegal machinery, which has put the lives of revenue officials at risk. This situation has led to helplessness among the revenue machinery. Rapid urban development in the state has resulted in a growing demand for sand for construction purposes, leading to massive illegal mining in riverbeds.

Use of Modern Machines for Sand Extraction:

The demand for sand, once limited to small construction activities in villages, has seen a massive surge over time. This business now involves modern and large machinery such as JCBs, Poclains, and mechanical boats, which are used to extract sand from riverbeds and transport it to cities. The illegal extraction of sand has increased significantly, prompting the revenue administration to take severe steps to control sand mafias.

What Are Minor Minerals?

According to the Mines Act of 1952, minor minerals include sand, stone, clay, gravel, fine gravel, and murum, among others. A permit from the government is required for extracting these minerals, and the government also collects royalties.