Mumbai: To prevent future irregularities in the advance collection of mining fees for smart city and infrastructure projects, curb sand smuggling, and ensure the availability of sand at affordable rates for the public, the Maharashtra government has decided to implement a new policy to regulate sand extraction and distribution.
Strict fines and legal action will be imposed on companies involved in illegal mining. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule affirmed that the new policies would help curb illegal mining, ensure a more organised supply of construction materials, and encourage the establishment of new crusher industries to meet the growing demand.
The Maharashtra government has also decided to conduct drone-based surveys to tackle the growing problem of illegal mining across various districts in the state. Bawankule informed the state legislature that illegal mining has been reported in several areas, with some cases involving officials' involvement.
