Thane administration crackdown on illegal sand dredging

In a major crackdown on illegal dredging of sand along the Thane creek, the district administration seized vehicles, boats and other material worth over Rs two crores, officials said today.
The officials seized vehicles, boats, suction pumps and also sand collected from the creek during raids held yesterday.
The action was carried out by the respective SDOs in Mumbra Retibunder, Ganesh Ghat and Mira Bhayander-Ghodbunder region, under the supervision of District Collector Dr Mahendra Kalyankar, an official release said.
During the raids conducted since the beginning of this month, 86 vehicles illegally transporting sand were seized and fine of around Rs 30.12 lakhs was recovered, it said.

Offences have been registered against those indulging in illegal dredging of sand, the release added.