Sandmining dept to review FIRs against violators

In a special initiative,the district collectorates sandmining department is set to review the 15 cases filed by the administration with various police stations in the city and rural areas.

In a special initiative,the district collectorates sandmining department is set to review the 15 cases filed by the administration with various police stations in the city and rural areas. There is a need to review cases. We have to be vigilant and ensure those violating laws are punished, said district mining officer Sanjay Bamne. He further said there have been 18 persons who have been arrested in various cases.

With sandmining thriving in Pune,Nashik,Thane and Mumbai,the mining department had earlier imposed a fine of Rs 81 lakh on 482 vehicles caught ferrying sand beyond the allowed limit and had booked 53 persons. The status of all these cases has to be reviewed, added Bamne.

The department managed to collect Rs 5.94 crore in April-May last while last year the department managed to achieve the target of Rs 70 crore. We have in fact collected Rs 73.45 crore last year, added Bamne. In July,the new list of sites will be released by the government.

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Bamne said that in 2009-10,as many as 1,997 vehicles were impounded and a total fine of Rs 1.14 crore was realised,which has been deposited with the treasury. Meanwhile,teams of revenue,environment and police officers have been stationed at Chakan,Chauphalla,Shikrapur and Shevalewadi to tackle any illegal sand transportation.

Department sources said they had given out 161 sandmining sites,of which 83 have been auctioned and the revenue of Rs 10 crore deposited with the revenue department until December last year. In January,the department auctioned 13 sites and an amount of Rs 10 lakh was deposited with the treasury department and by the end of March,104 sites were given out for Rs 11 crore.

Walse-Patil had in the Assembly expressed concern over illegal sandmining and said musclepower played a role in getting contracts. The Pune district administration maintains that contracts are given following proper procedures.

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Sandmining dept to review FIRs against violators

In a special initiative,the district collectorates sandmining department is set to review the 15 cases filed by the administration with various police stations in the city and rural areas.

In a special initiative,the district collectorates sandmining department is set to review the 15 cases filed by the administration with various police stations in the city and rural areas.