Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has pledged strict action against illegal sand mining along the Wardha River. Speaking during the monsoon session of the state legislature on Tuesday, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule assured that officials showing laxity in curbing illegal excavation would face immediate suspension. To ensure accountability, drone surveys have been ordered to monitor sand mining sites.Bawankule said the state introduced a new sand policy on April 1, abolishing the earlier depot system and replacing it with an auction-based model, which has already begun generating healthy revenue. The policy also provides for the free allocation of five brass of sand for housing projects through tehsildars, while private construction projects will receive sand on a royalty basis.To further curb illegal sand extraction, the government has approved a crusher policy, allowing up to 50 crusher units per district to supply artificial sand. This move is expected to reduce dependence on natural sand by 90%.The transport department will also enforce strict penalties on vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of sand, with suspensions ranging from 15 days for a first offence to permanent bans for repeat violations.“These measures aim to ensure sustainable sand mining practices while meeting local construction needs through a regulated supply system,” said Bawankule.
