Aurangabad, March 26:
The state government has lost the revenue of around Rs 200 crores as the administration failed to restrict the smuggling of the sand in the district for the past five years.
The auctions of all the sand belts were not held in full capacity in the district. Every year, the government earns Rs 60 crores revenue from the sand belts. However, the revenue was hampered in the past five years. Only 50 percent revenue was received by the government and hence incurred the losses to the tune of around Rs 200 crores.
Moreover, the illegal excavation and transport of the sand has increased to a large extent. Now, it has become very difficult for the administration to restrict the smuggling of the sand. It seems that the revenue and the police departments are neglecting the illegal sand transport. Similarly, the residents have to purchase the sand for construction dearer.
Meanwhile, district collector, Sunil Chavan, said, out of the six sand belts in the district, permission for auction was received for four. Two contractors had not deposited the money for these belts and hence the tender for the new contract will be issued, he said.
This year, 20 sandbelts were proposed for auction and the environment committee has granted permission for 14 belts. The district administration has cancelledted 5 belts and the proposals of 9 belts were sent for re-survey. It was decided to auction 6 sandbets, of which 4 were auctioned. The contracts of 4 sandbelts were given in Rs 3.31 crores, but two contractors have not deposited the money.