AHMEDABAD | Oct 03, 2016: Department of geology and mining of the state government found 87,211metric tonnes of sand in raids conducted in seven districts from September 28 to 30.

The department has issued notices for fine of Rs 70.46 lakh to those found flouting royalty norms.

According to the department officials, the commissioner of geology and mining had formed eight flying squads supervised by three additional director-level officers to conduct raids in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Anand and Surendranagar districts after complaints of rampant illegal sand mining from banks of various rivers.

"The teams raided 35 spots in three days and checked the stock with various traders and licence holders and verified the stock shown on the government records. During the checking, it was found that 87,211 metric tonnes stock was unaccounted for. In all the instances, offences have been booked under provisions of Gujarat Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2005 and notices have been issued for payment of fine," said an official.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)