In a significant move, Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has suspended two revenue officers from the Tumsar subdivision of Bhandara district for their failure to stop illegal sand mining and for their involvement in hoarding. The suspended officers have been identified as Tumsar Sub-Divisional Officer Darshan Nikam and Tehsildar Mohan Tikle.
Illegal sand mining has been a serious issue in Maharashtra for several years. Sand mafias continue to excavate and transport river and creek sand without fear of consequences. Several revenue officers and collectorate officials have even been attacked by these mafias. The government machinery had been inadequate in curbing these illegal activities until now. However, the state revenue department recently introduced a new sand policy, which was approved by the state cabinet on Tuesday. As part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining, the state government has begun taking strict action—starting with the suspension of the two revenue officers.
The two officers were accused of corruption following an inquiry conducted by the Revenue Commissioner of the Nagpur Division, which found both officials complicit in illegal activities.
The issue of illegal sand mining and the action against the accused were also discussed in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, where concerns were raised over the government’s delayed response and compensation for victims of accidents involving trucks carrying illegally mined sand. In response, Minister Bawankule assured the Assembly that an inquiry would be completed within seven days by divisional commissioners. After receiving the report, he ordered the suspension of the officers.
During the investigation into minor mineral cases in Tumsar, it was revealed that sand extraction had been carried out from mines without the required environmental clearances. This illegal activity, deemed a serious offense, prompted a comprehensive probe and subsequent disciplinary action.
Minister Bawankule emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Illegal sand mining and hoarding are very serious offenses. Any attempt to illegally exploit sand resources, which belong to the people, will be strictly dealt with across Maharashtra. Revenue officers must remain vigilant and take this issue seriously.”
