VIDEO: Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Vows Crackdown On Illegal Sand Mining; Announces M-Sand Policy And Staff Suspension

Mumbai: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday announced strict measures to curb illegal sand mining along the banks of the Wardha River, including the immediate suspension of erring officials and coordinated action with law enforcement agencies.

Speaking during the Monsoon Session of the State Legislature council, Minister Bawankule responded to a question raised by MLC Dadarao Keche, outlining the government’s multi-pronged strategy to combat the illegal sand trade.

“To curb illegal sand mining, the government has implemented a new sand policy effective April 1, 2025,” Bawankule said. He revealed that the first sand depot auction in Chandrapur had already generated ₹100 crore in revenue. Plans are underway to auction additional smaller depots to increase transparency and reduce unlawful activity.

The minister highlighted provisions under the Gharkul policy, introduced on April 30, 2025, which allows for the free allocation of five brass units of sand through a tehsildar. Passes for this will be issued via an online portal. He further added that local gram panchayats and municipal councils can procure sand at royalty rates for development and construction purposes, with tehsildars designated as nodal officers for overseeing distribution in private projects.

In response to concerns raised by MLC Keche about alleged inaction by local talathis and revenue department staff, Bawankule said, “Any official found negligent will be suspended immediately.” He also confirmed that drone surveys of sand depots had been ordered and enforcement agencies directed to take firm action against violators.

MLC Shashikant Shinde called for accountability in tackling sand theft. Bawankule assured the House, “Under the Chief Minister’s directives, the revenue and police departments will work jointly to investigate these cases and take legal action against the accused.”

Regarding recent allegations made by UBT-Shiv Sena MLC Anil Parab about sand theft in the Konkan region, Bawankule stated, “If MLC Parab provides specific details, I will make a formal statement before the conclusion of the session.”

The minister also announced the implementation of an M‑Sand policy to reduce reliance on natural riverbed sand. Under this initiative, 50 crusher units have been authorized per district. “This move will reduce dependence on natural sand by up to 90 percent,” he said.

Additionally, the state’s transport department has been empowered to take disciplinary action against vehicles involved in the illegal transport of sand—suspending licenses for 15 days on the first offense, one month for the second, and permanent cancellation for the third.