Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is committed to curbing the activities of sand mafias that have been troubling the public, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday said.

The state will soon introduce a simplified sand policy, he said adding, “We will study how other states have made sand easily accessible to the public and implement a similar policy in Maharashtra.”

In a conversation with the media on Sunday, Bawankule assured that the revenue department would prioritise the needs of the people. “The people come first, and I will make Maharashtra's revenue department the best in the country,” he declared.

Bawankule also touched on the issue of scrubland, with approximately 86,000 hectares of such land in the state, primarily in Vidarbha, pending resolution. “There is an ongoing case in the Supreme Court regarding these lands, and we will pursue it vigorously to resolve the issue at the earliest,” he assured.

Bawankule emphasised the need for reforms in various laws related to agriculture and land records.

Govt coordination is key

Bawankule expressed confidence that there is harmony within the Mahayuti coalition and that the leaders would work together smoothly in distributing portfolios and handling ministerial responsibilities.

In response to a question about Chhagan Bhujbal, Bawankule stated that NCP leadership, including Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, would make the right decision.

'Rahul's Parbhani visit a drama'

Bawankule also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent visit to Parbhani, calling it a 'drama'. He stated that despite clarifications from CM Fadnavis, Rahul Gandhi's visit was merely a political stunt. “All communities in Maharashtra, including backward classes and OBCs, live harmoniously, and no one will fall victim to this political game,” Bawankule said.