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Maharashtra Deploys Flying Squads to Curb Illegal Sand Mining

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the deployment of flying squads at Taluka and Sub-division levels to combat illegal sand mining. The new policy introduces strict turnover requirements for auction participants, ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 3.5 crore based on sand stock volume. The Maharashtra Maritime Board has been given enhanced powers to monitor sand extraction in coastal and creek areas. An E-auction system is now mandatory for sand blocks, with a one-year tenure or until stock exhaustion.

Key Points: Maharashtra Flying Squads to Curb Illegal Sand Mining

  • Flying squads at Taluka and Sub-division levels to monitor illegal sand transport
  • New annual turnover criteria for sand auction participants based on stock volume
  • E-auction system mandated for sand blocks in rivers and creeks
  • Maharashtra Maritime Board empowered to monitor coastal and creek sand extraction
2 min read

Maha: Flying squads deployed to curb illegal sand mining ​

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announces flying squads, higher auction turnover, and strict rules to fight illegal sand mining.

"Given the unique geography of the coastal belt, the state has granted enhanced powers to officials in the Konkan region. – Chandrashekhar Bawankule"

Mumbai, April 28

In a move to bring transparency to the state's sand excavation and sale process, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday announced a series of stringent measures to control illegal sand mining. ​

Following a cabinet decision, several key amendments have been integrated into the Sand Policy of April 8, 2025, aimed at tightening the grip on the sand mafia through the deployment of specialised "Flying Squads."​

Under the new government directives, special flying squads will be established at the Taluka and Sub-division levels to monitor illegal transportation. These squads will comprise officers from the Revenue Department and other relevant administrative branches, said the minister.​

"Given the unique geography of the coastal belt, the state has granted enhanced powers to officials in the Konkan region. Sub-divisional officers and Tehsildars are now permitted to take enforcement actions in neighbouring talukas or districts adjacent to their jurisdiction. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has been given increased authority to monitor sand extraction in coastal and creek areas. The MMB is now responsible for registering all boats used for sand transport in creeks. Unregistered or illegal boats will be seized and handed over to Tehsildars for legal proceedings," said Minister Bawankule. ​

He further added that regional port officers have been officially inducted into the District and Taluka-level Sand Monitoring Committees in Konkan.

The government has introduced new annual turnover requirements for individuals or organisations participating in sand auctions. These criteria are based on the volume of the sand stock (measured in Brass): Sand Stock up to 1000 Brass, the required turnover will be Rs 10 lakh, 1001 to 2,000 Brass Rs 20 Lakh, 5,001 to 10,000 Brass Rs 1 Crore, 10,001 to 15,000 Brass Rs 1.5 Crore, 15,001 to 20,000 Brass Rs 2 Crore, 20,001 to 25,000 Brass Rs 3 Crore and above 25,000 Brass Rs 3.5 Crore.​

According to the minister, the policy mandates an E-auction system for sand blocks in rivers and creeks, tailored to geographical conditions. The auction tenure is set for one year or until the sand stock is exhausted, whichever occurs first.​

"A mandatory clause has been added to all agreements stating that if excavation cannot be carried out due to unforeseen circumstances, the refund provided to the auction holder will be strictly without interest. District Collectors have been authorised to modify the implementation schedule within their districts, subject to the Divisional Commissioner's approval. This revised regulatory framework is now applicable across the entire state, aimed at effectively eradicating malpractices in the sand mining industry," he said.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
Good move but the turnover requirements are too high for small local contractors. Rs 10 lakh for 1000 brass is fine, but Rs 3.5 crore for 25k+ brass will only benefit big players. Small-time operators will be pushed out, and that might actually increase illegal mining rather than reduce it. Needs more thought, IMO.
S
Siddharth J
As someone from Konkan, this is much needed. The creeks and beaches have been completely dug up by illegal sand miners. Glad the Maharashtra Maritime Board is getting more powers. But will these flying squads actually patrol at night? That's when the real illegal activity happens. 🤔
A
Arjun K
Finally some transparency in sand auctions! The e-auction system is long overdue. In many districts, auctions were rigged and only mafia-linked people got contracts. The refund without interest clause is harsh but necessary to discourage frivolous bidders. Let's see how this plays out on ground.
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Nisha Z
One year auction tenure seems reasonable, but what about monitoring after excavation starts? The environmental damage from sand mining is irreversible. Flying squads should also inspect the actual sites, not just transportation. Rivers in Vidarbha and Marathwada are already in bad shape. Hope this policy stops the destruction. 🙏
R
Rajesh Q
All these policies sound good on paper, but in rural Maharashtra, the sand mafia has political connections. Tehsildars and sub-divisional officers often look the other way. Unless there is a strict monitoring mechanism and whistleblower protection, these flying squads will be toothless. Been there, seen that.

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