Nagpur: A year-long crackdown on illegal minor mineral extraction and transportation in the Nagpur division led to 587 criminal cases, 158 arrests and penalties worth Rs55.39 crore, authorities said, underlining the scale of violations across districts.In a statement, divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari said action was taken in 2,478 cases through district-level flying squads and check posts between April 2025 and March 31, 2026. Of the total penalties imposed, Rs20.15 crore has been recovered so far.“Strict action has been initiated against illegal excavation and transport of minor minerals through special drives across the division,” Bidari said, pointing to intensified enforcement efforts over the past year.Authorities also seized 1,512 vehicles and 10 pieces of machinery linked to illegal mining activities. Most violations involved sand, murum and soil extraction, reflecting persistent pressure on natural resources in the region.District-wise data shows Bhandara reporting the highest number of cases at 672, including 637 related to sand mining alone. In these, 363 offences led to penalties of about Rs5 crore, with Rs2.82 crore recovered and 104 arrests made.Gondia recorded 641 cases, with penalties of Rs3.58 crore, of which Rs3.29 crore has been recovered. In Nagpur district, 261 cases resulted in penalties of Rs4.32 crore, with recoveries touching Rs3.79 crore. Wardha reported 239 cases with penalties of Rs2.75 crore, of which Rs2.11 crore has been recovered. Chandrapur saw 431 offences, attracting penalties of Rs6.44 crore, with Rs5.41 crore recovered. Gadchiroli recorded 234 cases, with penalties of Rs3.24 crore and recoveries of Rs2.60 crore.The enforcement, carried out through coordinated operations at check posts and by mobile squads, highlights both the scale of illegal mining and the administrative push to curb it.
