Patna: In a significant move to balance environmental protection with developmental needs, the Bihar Department of Mines and Geology has announced a complete ban on sand mining at all river ghats across the state from June 15 to October 15. This monsoon-period restriction aims to prevent ecological degradation and manage mining activities more effectively.
During this period, sand will only be supplied through designated secondary loading points via authorised licensees. This system is intended to ensure a consistent supply of sand to both the public and government work departments, preventing disruptions to construction activities across the state.
To enhance transparency and regulation, all districts have been instructed to conduct drone videography of both operational and non-operational ghats, as well as secondary loading points. The aerial footage will help in assessing the natural sand recharge in riverbeds, which is crucial for planning future auctions and ghat settlements more accurately.
Additionally, the department has secured approval from the Council of Ministers to commission a scientific study of sand recharge through CMPD, a central government agency. This study aims to provide an impartial and data-driven understanding of sand availability in Bihar’s rivers.
In response to public concerns, the department has advised citizens facing sand shortages to directly contact their respective District Mining Officers. Contact details for all officials are available on the department’s official website.
To support ongoing infrastructure projects, the department has offered to allocate specific ghats to work departments and has communicated this through official correspondence. Furthermore, any sand seized during anti-mining raids will be redirected for official use at standard government rates, reinforcing efforts to curb illegal mining while keeping development works on track.
A high-level review meeting with all District Mining Officers is scheduled for June 19 in Patna, where strategies for smooth legal mining operations and citizen support during the monsoon will be discussed.
