Nagpur witnessed a significant protest on Tuesday as approximately 250 to 300 sand transporters, predominantly from Umred, Bhiwapur, and Ramtek talukas, gathered outside the district collectorate. The demonstration was in response to what they termed arbitrary actions by the Nagpur Rural Police during an intensified crackdown on overloaded sand vehicles and related violations.
Protest and Memorandum Submission
Led by activist Nitin Tiwari, the transporters submitted a memorandum to the district collector, highlighting their grievances. They claimed that cases were being registered against them under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, despite holding valid permits and paying royalty through the official MahaMining system. The protesters argued that vehicle owners and drivers were being unfairly targeted, while sand quarry operators and flaws in the permit-generation software escaped scrutiny. According to the transporters, the MahaMining system itself permits loads that exceed the carrying capacity of vehicles, creating a systemic issue.
District Collector's Response
Taking note of the complaints, the district collector directed officials to summon representatives from the company operating the MahaMining app. He assured the protesters of a joint meeting involving police, company officials, and transporters to address the concerns. Additionally, the collector stated that the matter would be discussed with Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh A Poddar to ensure a coordinated approach.
Police Enforcement Drives Continue
Despite the protests, the Nagpur Rural Police continued their enforcement drives against overloaded sand transport. During operations conducted on May 17 and 18, Ramtek police seized five 12-wheeler tippers carrying approximately 44 brass of excess sand, valued at over Rs 1.92 crore. Five offences were registered, and the accused included vehicle owners and drivers from Nagpur, Amravati, and Bhandara districts.
In another operation, Pachgaon Police seized three overloaded tippers carrying 29.5 brass of excess sand worth Rs 1.11 crore, leading to three cases. Narkhed Police also booked a 10-wheeler tipper transporting excess sand valued at Rs 25.30 lakh.
Police Justification for Crackdown
Police officials justified the crackdown by stating that overloading damages roads, threatens public safety, encourages illegal mining, and harms river ecosystems. They maintained that the actions were based on physical inspections during routine patrolling and were aimed at protecting government revenue and the environment.
Transporters' Demands and Warning
Transporters, however, argued that enforcement agencies should address systemic loopholes in the permit system rather than penalising only drivers and vehicle owners. Warning of intensified agitation, they demanded corrective measures and fair treatment. The protesters emphasised that the MahaMining system's flaws must be rectified to prevent further disputes.
The district collector's assurance of a joint meeting has provided some respite, but transporters remain vigilant. They have called for a comprehensive review of the mining permit process and stricter oversight of quarry operators to ensure equitable enforcement.
