Maharashtra Cabinet Clears Tougher Penalties for Illegal Minor Mineral Mining

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved stricter measures to curb the illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals by amending Section 48(7) of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra fadanvis 

Under the revised provisions, individuals found guilty of illegally extracting or transporting minor minerals will be liable to pay a penalty equal to ten times the applicable royalty amount. The state government expects the enhanced penalty to serve as a strong deterrent against illegal mining and ensure stricter enforcement of mining regulations.

As both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature are currently not in session, the Cabinet has also approved the promulgation of an ordinance to bring the amendment into immediate effect. The move is aimed at strengthening legal enforcement and improving the state’s ability to tackle illegal mining activities.