To curb illegal mining and transportation of sand (bajri), the mines and petroleum department has implemented measures within Rajasthan. The owners of the vehicles or machinery during these illicit activities will now face a penalty of Rs 3 lakh at least. Earlier, the penalty was minimum of Rs. 1.25 lakh. As per the latest guidelines a single truck, who will engage in illegal mining and transportation  will pay minimum penalty up to Rs. 2.25 lakh, while maximum can reach up to Rs 5 lakh.  

“The heavier penalties will act as a deterrent, dissuading individuals from participating in such illicit activities.” - Ajay Chowdhary, the president of the Truck Operators Gravel Welfare Society Rajasthan. 

The department further outlined penalties based on the age and value of the seized machinery or vehicles:

• A fine of Rs. 4 lakh will be imposed on machinery or vehicles under 5 years old and valued at more than Rs. 25 lakh.
• The penalties will be Rs 3 lakh if the equipment is between 5 and 10 years old.
• Equipment over 10 years old will attract a penalty of Rs 2 lakh.

In addition to these penalties, offenders will also be required to pay any additional applicable fines and ten times the royalty amount. Whatever the age or cost of the confiscated equipment, these fines shall be imposed. Vehicles or equipment that have been seized but not yet been claimed must be claimed within one month after the seizure in order to receive the product back.

Source: Times Of India