Previously, the penalty stood at a minimum of Rs 1.25 lakh, but under the new regulations, it has been increased to at least Rs 3 lakh.
The latest guidelines state that the penalty will be imposed based on three different slabs. Currently, the department levies a penalty of Rs 1 lakh for environmental compensation, ten times the royalty on sand, and additional fines for engaging in illegal mining and transportation. As a result, the penalty for a single truck used to amount to approximately Rs 2.25 to 2.50 lakh. However, with the new regulations in effect, the minimum penalty has been set at Rs 2.25 lakh, while the maximum can exceed Rs 5 lakh.
Ajay Chowdhary, the president of the Truck Operators Gravel Welfare Society Rajasthan, expressed satisfaction with the government’s long-awaited implementation of these measures. “The heavier penalties will act as a deterrent, dissuading individuals from participating in such illicit activities,” he said.
As per the order, seized dumpers, trucks or excavators with an ex-showroom value between Rs 25 lakh and less than 5 years old will incur a penalty of Rs 4 lakh. Seized dumpers, trucks or excavators with an ex-showroom value between Rs 25 lakh and 5 to 10 years old will be subjected to a penalty of Rs 3 lakh. Seized dumpers, trucks, or excavators over 10 years old will face a penalty of Rs 2 lakh.
