17 hours Ago
Pune: The collectorate has set up a dedicated office equipped with state-of-the-art tracking systems to curb illegal sand mining in Pune district. The pilot project, launched last month, enables real-time monitoring of sand-mining activities across 200 locations throughout the district. The office features an advanced surveillance system that includes GPS tracking of vehicles involved in sand transportation.
A senior official from the collectorate said the technology-driven approach will strengthen their ability to prevent unauthorised sand extraction and ensure proper monitoring of legitimate mining operations. Others said that the tracking system provides round-the-clock surveillance of designated mining zones, enabling quick response to any suspicious activities. The collectorate plans to evaluate the effectiveness of this pilot project before considering its expansion to other regions.
"With GPS-enabled tracking, we can now monitor the movement of every authorised vehicle and instantly identify any deviations from approved routes or timings," the official added. There have been several illegal sand mining cases that prompted the initiative. The district administration will collate data for at least two to three months.
The administration will ensure that all permissions granted for sand-mining sites at all levels are uploaded on the state government's Mahakhanij website. Recently, two revenue department staffers from Beed were suspended for failing to prevent illegal sand mining in their area and all districts were told to keep a strict watch on such activities. Senior officials found signs of rampant illegal sand mining near a river basin in Georai taluka which prompted action against the officials leading to their suspension by the Beed collector.
Other collectorates have since upped their vigilance. Activists have been demanding action against illegal sand mining and excavation of the rivers' beds. There have been cases of irregularities and criminal activities and attacks by sand miners on govt officials.
The new sand mining policy introduced in 2023 will help curb such activities. Under the new scheme, tenders will be invited for management of sand mining, its transportation, and construction of depots. It will also enable setting up of a technical committee under a tehsildar to monitor sand in creeks and rivers.
There will be depots in all districts for storage and sale of sand. A committee headed by the collector would oversee the tendering and sale. The rulings of the National Green Tribunal will be followed, officials said.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword . Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes , messages , and quotes .
.
