PUNE: The state government has instructed district collectors and police commissioners to register FIRs and take strict criminal action against individuals engaged in unauthorized excavation, transport, and use of sand or other minor minerals.
On July 17, the revenue and forest departments issued a circular that empowers officials to prosecute offenders under various laws, including the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code of 1966, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) of 2023, the Environment Protection Act of 1986, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The circular also states that any negligence by police or revenue officials in investigating illegal sand mining will lead to disciplinary measures against them as initiated by the district collector or police superintendent.
Revenue Minister Chandrakant Bawankule mentioned during the monsoon assembly session that this directive was aimed at closing enforcement gaps and enhancing regulatory oversight.
Furthermore, the government has invoked the Maharashtra Sand Smugglers and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act of 1981, which was amended in 2016 to include “sand smugglers,” thereby allowing for the preventive detention of repeat offenders. Officials are instructed to take action against habitual violators under this law and ensure coordinated investigations among revenue, police, and other relevant agencies to achieve successful convictions.
A senior official from the revenue department noted that merely imposing fines for illegal sand mining is no longer adequate. “This circular was issued with support from the state’s home department. It mandates filing FIRs to curb rampant smuggling and environmental degradation caused by illegal activities, which also pose threats to the safety of officials and disrupt public order,” he stated.
According to the state revenue department, minor minerals are vital for development projects and small industries, yet large-scale unauthorized mining leads to significant revenue loss and ecological damage in river ecosystems. Instances of illegal sand excavation and transport typically increase during the monsoon, especially in riverine regions.
Minor minerals are regulated under the Maharashtra Minor Minerals (Development and Regulation) Rules of 2013, which stipulates licensing for legal mining and transport. The state government’s stern position follows widespread violations.
