Maharashtra government likely to issue ordinance to curb illegal sand dredging soon

THANE: Maharashtra government is expected to issue an ordinance soon to check illegal dredging of sand from river beds and creeks, in view of the loss of natural wealth and ecological harm caused by the activity.

During the District Planning Council (DPC) meeting held here yesterday, where the elected representatives demanded a complete ban on illegal dredging by sand mafia in Thane, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) K P Bakshi said a Bill to this effect was proposed in the last session of state Legislature but it could not be taken up.

The next session is scheduled in December and an ordinance is proposed to be issued by the government, he said.

The ordinance has been approved by the government and forwarded by the Governor to the President and it is expected to be cleared soon, Bakshi said.

During the meeting, BJP MLA Kisan Kathore said the construction activities which rely on the availability of sand should not be affected and the government should do something about it.

District Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde, who was present at the meeting, directed the authorities to take stringent action to curb illegal dredging.