Maharashtra Government Centralizes Mining Permit Authority to District Collectors
In a significant administrative overhaul aimed at combating rampant illegal mining activities, the Maharashtra government has decided to transfer the power to grant mining permits for volumes between 500 and 2,000 brass directly to district collectors. This move effectively removes the authority previously held by tehsil and sub-divisional offices, marking a strategic shift towards greater centralization and oversight.
Addressing Corruption and Enhancing Accountability
The decision, announced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule following a comprehensive review meeting with district collectors and senior officials on Wednesday, is designed to check illegal excavation and unauthorized stone-crusher operations across the state. "The government has decided to vest powers with district collectors to grant permissions for mining between 500 and 2,000 brass. The rules will be amended accordingly," Bawankule stated, emphasizing the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability.
This policy change comes in response to mounting concerns over large-scale illegal mining reported in several districts, which was recently highlighted in the state assembly by MLA Sunil Prabhu. The issue prompted the minister to convene an urgent meeting to assess the situation in affected areas, leading to this decisive action.
Streamlining the Approval Process
Previously, permissions for smaller-scale mining operations were issued at the tehsil or sub-divisional level, where authorities faced numerous complaints of irregularities and corruption. Officials believe that shifting these powers to district collectors will streamline the approval process and significantly reduce opportunities for malpractice.
"A dedicated cell will be established under each district collector to scrutinise applications and grant mining permissions once a year in a structured and transparent manner," a revenue department official explained, outlining the new operational framework.
Zero-Tolerance Stance and Strict Penalties
Reiterating a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, Minister Bawankule warned of strict action against erring officials. He directed authorities to submit proposals to withhold salary increments of tehsildars and sub-divisional officers found complicit in granting permissions without proper documentation, underscoring the government's resolve to enforce discipline.
Clarifying that the decision is not intended to hinder legitimate mining activity, Bawankule assured that all approvals would be issued strictly in accordance with legal and environmental norms. "Projects that cause environmental damage, including hill cutting, will not be permitted," he affirmed, balancing economic interests with ecological preservation.
Strengthening Monitoring and Enforcement
To bolster monitoring capabilities, the government has decided to expand the digital tracking system currently operational in Pune to Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts, with a phased rollout planned across Maharashtra. Additionally, an immediate survey of 90 mines has been ordered to assess compliance and identify violations.
Revenue department officials have been instructed to impose strict penalties and initiate criminal proceedings wherever discrepancies or violations are detected. District collectors have further been directed to deploy special flying squads to curb illegal night-time excavation and prevent revenue losses, ensuring round-the-clock vigilance.
These comprehensive measures are aimed at tightening oversight of mining operations, curbing illegal excavation, and ensuring strict compliance with environmental and regulatory norms across the state, ultimately fostering a more transparent and accountable mining sector in Maharashtra.
