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In a significant move to curb illegal sand mining, the Maharashtra government has amended its Sand (Reti) Policy 2025, making registration of all boats involved in sand extraction and transport mandatory. The changes were notified through a Government Resolution dated April 10, 2026.

The revised policy introduces stricter enforcement mechanisms, tighter auction norms, and region-specific controls, particularly targeting illegal activities in coastal and riverbed areas.

Key Highlights of the Policy Update

🚤 Mandatory Boat Registration

  • All boats and vessels used for sand transport must be registered with authorities
  • Responsibility assigned to Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB)
  • Unregistered boats found in illegal mining will be seized
  • Strict penal action to be taken against violators

🚨 Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining

  • Formation of flying squads at taluka and sub-division levels
  • Teams to include:Revenue officials Police Coastal security forces Maritime authorities
  • Authorities empowered to:Conduct surprise inspections Seize equipment and vehicles Act against illegal transport

🌊 Special Monitoring in Coastal (Konkan) Areas

  • Inclusion of Port Officers in sand monitoring committees
  • Regular inspections in CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) areas
  • Action allowed across jurisdictions for better enforcement
  • Focus on preventing illegal mining in creeks and coastal belts

💻 E-Auction Process Strengthened

  • Sand blocks to be auctioned via e-auction only
  • Auction validity:1 year OR Till stock ends OR Till environmental clearance expires
  • Flexible auction units:Taluka-wise Sub-division-wise Cluster-based

💰 Eligibility Criteria for Bidders

  • Minimum turnover requirements introduced:Up to 1,000 brass → ₹10 lakh 5,000–10,000 brass → ₹1 crore 10,000–15,000 brass → ₹1.5 crore Above 25,000 brass → ₹3.5 crore
  • Aim: Ensure only serious and capable bidders participate

⚖️ Strict Rules for Auction Defaults

  • If winning bidder fails to pay:Re-auction will be conducted Loss recovered from defaulting bidder if price falls
  • No claim allowed if re-auction price is higher

💳 EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) Rules

  • Successful bidder → EMD adjusted in final payment
  • Unsuccessful bidders → EMD refunded immediately

🏗️ Joint Sand Blocks Across Districts

  • Joint inspection by both districts
  • One district handles auction
  • Revenue shared proportionately

🕒 Administrative Flexibility

  • District Collectors can propose timeline changes
  • Divisional Commissioners to decide within 15 days

❗ No Interest on Refunds

  • If sand extraction is not possible:Refund will be given No interest payable

Why This Matters

The amendments signal a strong push to formalise and regulate sand mining, which has long been linked to illegal operations and environmental damage.

  • Environmental impact: Better control in riverbeds and coastal zones
  • Illegal mining crackdown: Targeting unregistered boats and transport
  • Real estate impact: Sand supply regulation may influence construction costs
  • Governance: Increased coordination between multiple agencies

Conclusion

By mandating boat registration and tightening enforcement, Maharashtra has taken a direct shot at the logistics backbone of illegal sand mining.

The success of these reforms, however, will depend on on-ground enforcement and coordination between departments.

Also Read: Illegal Sand Mining; Vehicle Permits to Be Suspended for Repeat Offences

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