Maharashtra to invoke MPDA Act against sand mafia, black marketers

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government today decided to evoke Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (MPDA) against those involved in black marketing of essential commodities and sand mafia.

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to evoke provisions of Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (MPDA), 1981 against those involved in black marketing of essential commodities and illegal trafficking of sand, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

"Similarly, repeat offenders involved in illegal trafficking of sand would also be booked under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (MCOCA)", he said.

"For that, the state government will make amendments in MPDA. Earlier it was applicable for slumlords, bootleggers, drug offenders, dangerous persons and video pirates," Fadnavis said.

Besides this, the Cabinet has also approved setting up of Government Agriculture College at Muktainagar in Jalgaon district.

"For this project, Rs 6,569.70 lakh will be provided in the next five years," the Chief Minister said.

The Cabinet has also given its nod to provide Rs 1,000.02 crore (40 per cent) of the Rs 2,505.05 crore for the Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded new Railway line.