Thane Administration Seizes 10 Illegal Sand Mining Barges, 16 Suction Pumps Worth ₹3.6 Crore In Dive-Kewani Creek Raid
Thane: In one of the biggest crackdowns on illegal sand mining in Thane district, the district administration seized 10 illegal barges and 16 powerful suction pumps during a late-night operation at the Dive-Kewani creek in Bhiwandi taluka. Equipment estimated to be worth between ₹3.50 crore and ₹3.60 crore is now being dismantled and destroyed as part of the action. Operation Conducted On…
Thane's administration conducted a significant operation to dismantle illegal sand mining activities in Dive-Kewani creek. Ten barges and 16 suction pumps, estimated to be worth ₹3.50 crore to ₹3.60 crore, were seized. The operation, initiated on the orders of Thane District Collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal and Additional Collector Harish Chandra Patil, was led by District Mining Officer Vivek Ghule, with support from Thane Tehsildar Umesh Patil and Bhiwandi Tehsildar Abhijit Khole.
The team detected large-scale illegal sand extraction at around 2.45 am on Tuesday, prompting a swift response. As the operators realized the authorities' presence, panic ensued among the illegal miners, who attempted to sink the equipment. One barge collided with mangroves, damaging the ecosystem. Nineteen-year-old Toheeb Shaikh was apprehended at the scene.
All seized barges were found unregistered with Maharashtra Maritime Board, raising concerns about their operations. Officials are now responsible for dismantling and destroying the equipment, with further legal actions expected against the accused.
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