Maharashtra Assembly Session 2026: Govt strengthens anti-illegal mining operations with drones, joint enforcement teams, says Minister Bawankule

A special task force has been set up to conduct large-scale operations against these organised groups.

According to PTI, while replying in the Legislative Assembly to a question raised by BJP’s Samadhan Avtade regarding attacks on forest officials by illegal traffickers, Bawankule said large-scale illegal excavation was taking place in certain hilly areas.

Drone technology to reduce need for direct human intervention

The government has decided to intensify monitoring without direct human intervention by deploying drone surveillance systems, he said. 

Drone mapping of affected villages will be undertaken, and illegal excavation sites will be identified using geo-tagging and digital mapping tools, including Google Maps integration, the minister added.

Calling the incidents “serious,” he said multiple cases have been registered. Action under preventive detention laws has been initiated against some accused persons. In several cases, police have registered offences against sand smugglers, and action has been taken in over a dozen criminal cases, Bawankule said, the news agency reported. 

Strict police action taken against attacks on officials

Police have taken strict action in about ten cases involving attacks on government officials. To prevent such incidents, the Home Department has now directed that police protection must be provided before conducting raids. “Officials have been instructed not to conduct raids alone. Police personnel must accompany them before any action is taken,” he said.

Bawankule reiterated that a special task force has been formed to carry out large-scale operations against illegal excavation rackets, which involve organised networks and influential individuals, and it may take time to completely dismantle them.

He said that out of 12,784 sand-mining groups, permissions of 953 groups have been revoked following a detailed review by senior officials, including Environment Secretary Jaysing Bhoj and Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge.

Due to stricter regulations and more transparent processes, the state has recorded its highest-ever revenue from sand management, he said, adding that the list of cancelled sand groups would be tabled before the House.

Government working on revised sand policy

The government is working on a revised sand policy, noting that the situation in the coastal Konkan region differs from the rest of the state. 

A separate approach for the coastal belt is under consideration, and a new policy covering two minerals is expected to be introduced within the next month, the minister added, PTI reported.

Bawankule also referred to a matter in Bhandara district, where the National Green Tribunal intervened in connection with survey work, noting that a hearing involving a penalty of Rs 10 lakh is underway.

Replying to a land acquisition-related question by MLA Rajendra Gavit, Bawankule said the demarcation of land belonging to 205 farmers in Palghar district, whose properties were acquired for major infrastructure projects, will be completed within a month, and compensation will also be paid.

The land was acquired for the Surya Project Canal, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor, and the Vadhvan Port Project, he said, reported PTI. 

Bawankule added that 467 farmers were initially affected, but the number has now come down to 205. The remaining work will be completed within a month, he assured.

(With PTI inputs)

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