Sheikhpura/Patna : The Bihar mining department has initiated a process to expand stone mining activities in Sheikhpura district, identifying four additional hill plots for possible extraction.
Before proceeding, the department has invited claims, objections and suggestions from residents living in and around the proposed sites. People can submit their objections to the mining department within 21 days.
The four sites were identified by a sub-divisional-level committee. They include two plots in Pachna, one in Chandi and one in Wajidpur.
Residents Can Raise Environmental and Safety Concerns
The public consultation process is intended to give local residents an opportunity to raise concerns about the possible impact of mining.
Objections and suggestions may relate to potential risks to nearby settlements, the environment and surrounding properties.
The authorities will consider the submissions before taking further steps in the process. The identification of the sites does not, by itself, mean that mining operations have been approved or started there.
Settlement of 11 Hill Plots Completed Last Month
According to the District Public Relations Officer, the settlement process for 11 hill plots for stone extraction was completed last month.
Mining operations at these sites are expected to begin within the next two months, subject to the required procedures and arrangements.
Meanwhile, the mining department has begun examining the possibility of opening four more hill plots for extraction.
Sheikhpura Earlier Had 27 Mining Hill Plots
Sheikhpura previously had stone extraction activities across 27 hill plots.
However, taking into account environmental protection, the safety of people living nearby and the mythological significance associated with some hills, approval was initially granted for mining on only 11 plots this time.
The identification of four additional sites is part of the department’s latest effort to assess the possibility of expanding mining activity in the district.
Final Decision to Follow Objection Process
The 21-day objection period will allow residents to place their concerns before the authorities.
The next stage will depend on the objections and suggestions received and the decisions taken by the competent authorities. Until then, the four newly identified plots remain proposed sites for possible stone mining.
