HC stays sand excavation at riverbed

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Taking serious note of illegal sand excavation from riverbeds in Nandurbar district, the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court ordered an immediate halt to the excavation of sand at the site. Officials were warned of contempt of court proceedings if the order is not complied with.

The petition, filed by Vijay Makan Shinde, was heard before a bench of Justice Vibha Kankanwadi and Justice Ajit Kadethhankar. Adv S S Gangakhedkar, appearing for the petitioner, submitted photographs of the actual excavation site before the court.

As per the petition, the e-tender conditions stipulated that the land would be handed over for sand extraction only after the river had completely dried up. However, photographs taken in March and May 2026 showed machinery operating in the riverbed despite the presence of water. The petitioner alleged that excavation continued even after police visited the site.

The court issued notices to the State Government and concerned officials, and directed that the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Shahada and the in-charge officer of the local police station be made respondents in the case.

The court also ordered a complete halt to excavation at the sand ghat until the next hearing, which is scheduled for June 16.