Representational Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: The state assembly on Tuesday considered the Kerala Protection of River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand (Amendment) Bill which proposes to increase the fine for illegal sand mining from Rs 25,000 to Rs 5 lakh.
As per the new amendment, the penalty of Rs 1,000 per day will be hiked to Rs 50,000 for continuous violation of rules.
The bill, introduced by Revenue Minister K Rajan, seeking to amend the Kerala Protection of River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Rules 2001, has been forwarded to the subject committee. The assembly will pass the bill on December 12.
“The procedures for sand mining from 14 rivers in the state adhering to the Green Tribunal norms is underway,” said Minister K Rajan.
The 14 rivers include Bharathapuzha, Chaliyar, Mahe, Valapattanam, Kadalundi, Chandragiri, Megral, Uppala, Periyar, Muvattupuzha, Achankovil and Pamba.
Currently, sand mining is prohibited in all the rivers across the state. Hence, there is a huge possibility of illegal sand mining.
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