“Maharashtra reported most cases of illegal mining in the country between 2013 and 2017.” 15 January 2018

Maharashtra recorded 1,39,706 illegal mining cases between 2013 and 2017, the highest number in the country...

However, the state had one of the lowest numbers of prosecutions in such cases....

The cases involve mining of sand, iron ore, bauxite, chromite, coal, and stone in Maharashtra. “The high number of cases...can be attributed to better detection, documentation and reporting related to illegal mining...[according to] state environment department...

Illegal mining cases are being observed along fringes of tier I and II cities in Maharashtra where construction development is underway. The environmental impact includes loss of forest cover, habitat and biodiversity of an area, soil erosion, groundwater contamination and permanent destruction of hilly areas...