Unsettling Allegations: Minister Assures of Action

h1. Corruption and illegal mining in a state, Unsettling Allegations

Chandrashekhar Bawankule Responds to Calling Attention Motion

The Revenue Minister of the state, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, appeared before the state council on Thursday in response to a calling attention motion moved by Vikram Kale. The motion was related to the alleged illegal mining of sand in Mauje Sanav, which was done without permission. “Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, District Collector had given permission for sand mining from the sand ghat at Mauje Sanav for water supply scheme for 373 villages in Gangapur and Vaijaurtalukas under Jal Jeevan Mission. For this, Maharashtra Jeevan Authority was given limited approval for sand mining of 9,540 brass. However, the report has made it clear that in reality a total of 28,029 brass sand was mined,” said the minister.

A Violation of Environmental Clearances

The minister further stated that the excavation beyond 1 meter depth is prohibited in view of the natural flow of water in the riverbed, cleanliness and biodiversity. The additional excavation is also in violation of the Supreme Court order. Consequently, criminal action will be taken in this matter.

• Some of the key points related to the situation:
• Permission was granted for 9,540 brass, but 28,029 were mined instead.
• The excavation beyond 1 meter depth is prohibited and a total of 10,489 additional meters of sand were mined in violation of this.

A Tree Plantation Policy

The Public Work Minister, Shivendra Raje Bhosale, was also present in the state council. He announced that the government has adopted a policy of planting indigenous trees on both sides of all highways, major road projects, state roads and rural roads in the state. “Geo-tagging is being done to save trees. Also, information about the saved trees will be kept through ‘AI’. Action is being taken against contractors who do not plant trees as per the rules. Now they will also be given the responsibility of saving the planted trees,” said the minister.

• Key benefits of the tree planting policy:
• Plants indigenous trees on both sides of all highways and major roads.
• Geo-tagging of trees to save them.
• Use of AI to keep track of saved trees.

Planting Ten Trees for Every Tree Felled

Additional Conditions

Minister Bhosale explained that the condition of planting ten trees for every tree felled in road works is included in the tender. Earlier, funds for planting trees were given to the contractor for planting trees. Now, the government has changed the process and funds are given after the completion of the work in each stage. The government is also supportive of replanting trees and has made significant progress in this regard.

Planting process:

Five stages of planting trees have been implemented.

Funding mechanism:

Funds are given after the completion of work in each stage.

Restoring Rest Houses and Planting Ornamental Trees

In order to ensure the beauty of government rest houses, orders will be given to beautify them and plant indigenous ornamental trees.

Save the Trees

Geo-tagging is being done to save trees. Also, information about the saved trees will be kept through ‘AI’. Action is being taken against contractors who do not plant trees as per the rules. Now they will also be given the responsibility of saving the planted trees.