Patna: The Bihar government has launched drone and helicopter surveys to identify illegal sand mining sites, prevent unauthorized extraction, and boost revenue collection. The Mines and Geology Department has instructed officials to establish command and control centers in all districts to strengthen enforcement.
To accelerate action against illegal mining, authorities have mandated weekly meetings in coordination with local administrations. The department has set a revenue target of Rs 3,500 crore for 2024-25, with more than 50% already collected by December 2024.
Command Centers for Surveillance
The newly established command and control centers will link CCTV cameras installed at sand ghats across the state, enabling real-time monitoring. Additionally, GPS tracking will be implemented in vehicles transporting sand to track their movements and curb illegal activities.
Helpline for Sand Transport Issues
To assist transporters facing difficulties such as traffic jams or mechanical failures, the department has introduced a helpline (0612-2215360). Drivers can also report issues via WhatsApp (9472238821) or email (controlcommandmines@gmail.com), ensuring smoother operations and compliance with transport regulations.
