Chirag Gupta
Patna: The Bihar government is set to simplify the process of building houses by delivering sand directly to homes. Through the Mines and Geology Department’s upcoming “Balu Mitra” portal, residents can order sand, gravel, and other minor minerals online, ensuring easy and transparent access.
The “Balu Mitra” portal, operated by Bihar State Mining Corporation Ltd., will list all registered sand ghat settlement holders and licensees along with their sale rates, enabling buyers to compare prices. Transporters will also be registered on the portal, with transportation fares per kilometer clearly displayed. Customers can book their orders online, entering details such as name, address, type of sand, and quantity required, followed by OTP verification.
Once an order is confirmed, customers will receive information about the vehicle registration number, and contact details of the vehicle owner and driver via SMS. GPS and Vehicle Location Tracking System will monitor the movement of the delivery vehicles, and customers can also track their order to ensure they receive the correct sand.
To prevent fraud, the portal will offer order cancellation and refund options. Additionally, a mobile app will be developed for the convenience of the general public and transporters. The entire system is expected to be operational within the next two months, following the selection of a reputable company to develop the portal.
