MUMBAI | May 23, 2015: The Maharashtra cabinet has decided to increase the fine for the mining and transport of minerals without government permissions. The cabinet also decided that the vehicles used for such illegal transport should be seized.

Earlier, the fine imposed on mining without clearances was three times the market value of the minerals extracted. The cabinet has agreed to increase the fine to five times the market value of the minerals extracted. The state government feels stricter rules will pose a deterrent to this illegal practice.

Officials said since vehicles used for this purpose were not confiscated, the same facilities were being re-used for such mining.

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