Thane district is a hot bed for illegal sand mining activities. In fact, just last week, Thane collector Ashwini Joshi imposed a fine of Rs14 crore on sand miners who have been mining away more than the permitted amount of sand from hills of Thane, Vashi and Mumbai.
Continuing its tirade against illegal sand miners, Thane district administration cracked down on sand mafia in Kalyan, Dombivli and Bhiwandi on Wednesday.
Thane district is a hot bed for illegal sand mining activities. In fact, just last week, Thane collector Ashwini Joshi imposed a fine of Rs14 crore on sand miners who have been mining away more than the permitted amount of sand from hills of Thane, Vashi and Mumbai.
On Wednesday, the revenue department of the collectorate seized 47 cranes and 4,500 brass of sand from Mothagaon, Dombivli and Kalyan Retibunder. "After we learnt in the morning that illegal sand mining is on at Mothagaon, Kalyan Tehsildar Kiran Suravase, along with other officials, reached the spot and seized the sand and machinery. The value of cranes is Rs2 crore," said an official from district collectorate.
Continuing this crackdown, the officials also conducted a raid at Bhiwandi, Kalher and Kasheli and seized 1,100 brass sand from the spot. The crackdown on illegal sand miners and dredgers is on since last December in Thane district. There are a total 143 sand mines in Thane district and during a survey done by the geology and mining department of Kolhapur, with the help of total machine, it was found that these mines were violating the terms and conditions of mining.
It was found that 82 miners had mined more sand than the permission given to them. Hence, Joshi levied a fine of Rs14 crore and even sealed five mines in Navi Mumbai-Turbhe region.
Even last December, Joshi took action against illegal sand dredgers and seized more than Rs10.87 crore. In fact, her persistent action against the sand mafia has often fueled the rumours of her transfer due to political pressure.
However, Thane guardian minister Eknath Shinde gave assurance of continued support to Joshi.
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