Crackdown on Illegal Sand Dredging in Maharashtra's Thane

In Maharashtra's Thane district, officials seized over Rs 1 crore worth of equipment used for illegal sand dredging. The operation targeted Parsik between the Mumbra-Kalwa rail bridge. The culprits escaped, and a case has been registered under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code against Kiran Pawal and others.

In a significant crackdown on illegal sand dredging along the creek in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials have seized barges and other equipment valued at over Rs 1 crore, according to statements released on Thursday.

The operation, conducted by the revenue department on Tuesday, took place in Parsik between the Mumbra-Kalwa rail bridge. Unfortunately, the owners and operators of the dredging machines and boats escaped upon noticing the enforcement team, as detailed in a release by the Thane tehsil office.

Seized items, including sand, barges, and other materials, are collectively estimated to be worth Rs 1.16 crore. A case has been filed under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code at the Kalwa police station against Kiran Pawal and other involved parties, officials said.