Punawale: Serious questions have been raised over minor mineral excavation at a construction project in Punawale, Pimpri-Chinchwad. Complainants have alleged that soil, murum and stone were excavated on a scale much larger than what had been officially permitted, potentially causing a substantial loss of government revenue.
According to the available information, the developer was reportedly permitted to excavate around 1,000 brass of minor minerals from the site in Survey No. 43 at Punawale. However, a complaint was subsequently made alleging that the actual excavation was several times higher than the permitted limit.
Following the complaint, the administration reportedly carried out an ETS measurement of the site. The complainants claim that the measurement indicated excavation of more than 10,000 brass. Based on this alleged difference, questions have been raised about whether the required royalty and other government charges were fully paid.
A show-cause notice has reportedly been issued to the concerned developer seeking an explanation regarding the excavation permission, quantity actually excavated, royalty already paid and any additional amount that may be payable to the government.
The issue has also highlighted the need for closer monitoring of excavation activity at large construction projects in rapidly developing areas such as Punawale.
At this stage, however, claims of a multi-crore revenue loss remain allegations. The actual excavation quantity, revenue implications and any penalty will be established only after the competent revenue authorities complete their verification and pass an official order.
