Thane, Maharashtra: Authorities in Thane district carried out a major crackdown on illegal sand mining in Bhiwandi taluka, destroying equipment valued at around Rs 90 lakh, officials said on Saturday.
The operation, conducted on Friday in the Kevani creek area following a tip-off, targeted the sand-mining mafia operating illegally on reserved forest land. District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal led the drive, which resulted in the destruction of five suction units and eight barges. The barges were sunk, and the equipment was burnt, dealing a significant financial blow to those involved in the unlawful trade.
Authorities also demolished 12 large storage tanks used to stock illegally extracted sand with the help of three backhoe loaders. Since the activity was carried out on reserved forest land, the forest department and Mangrove Conservation Unit are expected to take further action.
Bhiwandi Rural police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order during the operation. The district administration has intensified its campaign against illegal sand mining in recent months, registering multiple cases and seizing equipment in previous drives.