Patna: The Bihar government has decided to start drone surveys in all districts to stop illegal sand storage and smuggling. The Mining Department has given orders to set up this system quickly. Since sand mining from rivers has been stopped during the rainy season, only the sand stored at licensed shops can now be sold. The drone survey will help measure the sand kept at these shops to check if it is within the allowed limit.
Recently, the Director of the Mines and Geology Department held a review meeting about this issue. He has asked officials in every district to ensure the drone surveys are done properly. If any depot is found storing more sand than allowed, strict action will be taken against its owner. This step aims to control illegal sand hoarding, which often leads to higher prices for buyers.
The Mining Department has also launched a Mining Surveillance System app to stop smuggling and illegal mining. District officials have been trained to use this app, and people can also send their complaints or suggestions through it. Officials said that the identity of those who complain will be kept secret, and the app will be monitored at the state headquarters.
For the drone surveys, special programming has been done so that drones can fly over the selected areas and take clear photos with cameras and sensors. Later, the technical team will check these photos and prepare detailed reports. These reports will then be sent to the headquarters and districts for action. The government hopes that this new system will help stop illegal sand storage and protect the environment.
