FIRs Launched to Combat Illegal Sand Mining in Maharashtra
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…