The new sand mining season started on October 1, but the directorate of mines and geology (DMG) is refusing to renew licenses of sand extractors.
Ashutosh R Apte said that the department of science, technology, and the environment will be granting the EC
Since the renewal of licenses has been stopped, illegal sand mining has intensified in the state, according to the government.
Sand prices are soaring in the state due to high demand from the construction industry.
Builders said that they purchase sand from suppliers and never question the source. The supplier could be getting it through illegal extraction or from other states.