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Mumbai, Nov 26 (IANS) Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday ordered immediate suspension and cancellation of vehicle permits of sand mafia engaged in illegal transportation of sand and other minor minerals.
The Revenue Department has today issued a strict circular directing that any vehicle caught in illegal minor mineral transportation will face direct action through a three-tier penal system under Section 86 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, under which after registration of the first offence, there will be 30 days permit suspension and confiscation of the vehicle, after the second offense there will be 60 days permit suspension and confiscation of the vehicle and permanent permit will be canceled and after the third offense the Regional Transport Authority The vehicle will be confiscated.
The directive covers every machine and vehicle used by the mafia, including JCBs, pocklands, excavators, drill machines, dumpers, full-body and half-body trucks, tractors with trolleys, trawlers, barges, motorized boats, compressors and mechanized loaders.
Minister Bawankule said, “The loss of government revenue and destruction of the environment will no longer be tolerated. Those who knowingly indulge in this crime will now have to pay a heavy price.”
He further said that field officers of the Revenue Department have been instructed to immediately alert the Transport Department as soon as any objectionable vehicle is detected, which will help in real-time cancellation and impoundment of permits.
Minister Bawankule said, “Large-scale illegal mining of sand and other minor minerals is causing huge losses to government revenue and the environment, while also giving rise to criminal activities. There have also been incidents endangering the lives of government officials and employees carrying out enforcement actions. In this background, and with the assistance of the Department of Transport, strict measures are now being implemented to immediately put a stop to illegal transportation.”
Earlier the minister had announced that the revenue and police departments would jointly take strict action against illegal sand mining and transportation. The vehicles involved will not only be fined but will also face criminal prosecution.
He said the Revenue and Home departments have issued a joint government resolution to curb sand mafias through stringent measures in cases of illegal sand mining, usage and transportation.
Minister Bawankule explained that earlier, vehicles caught transporting illegal sand were fined by the Revenue Department and let off.
However, under the new government proposal, both the revenue and home departments will independently take action against such vehicles.
“If the revenue department seizes a vehicle, the police will also take action and if the police seizes a vehicle, the revenue department will take action. This will result in both departments having to pay fines and registering a criminal case,” he said.
Minister Bawankule emphasized that no leniency will be shown towards the sand mafia.
“Transparent and strict action will ensure justice for the common people and protection of the environment,” he said.
–IANS
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