Patna: The Bihar government has introduced sweeping amendments to its mining regulations, imposing stringent penalties aimed at curbing the illegal mining, transportation and storage of sand and stone across the state.
Under the newly notified Bihar Mineral Amendment (Grant, Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation, and Storage) Rules, 2026, heavy fines and stricter compliance measures have been introduced for leaseholders, transporters and vehicle owners involved in mining operations.
Covered, Colour-Coded Vehicles Now Mandatory
According to the amended rules, minor minerals can now be transported only in vehicles painted in a designated colour and kept fully covered.
Authorities said:
- uncovered transport of minerals by tractors will attract a fine of Rs 5,000 per vehicle
- larger vehicles transporting minerals without covers will face fines of Rs 25,000
The fines will be imposed directly on vehicle owners.
The government has also made GPS monitoring mandatory during mineral transportation. Any tampering with or disabling of GPS devices installed in transport vehicles will invite penalties of Rs 1 lakh.
Illegal Overloading Could Trigger Lease Suspension
The rules also introduce severe penalties for overloading during transportation.
If a leaseholder loads sand or stone beyond the quantity mentioned in the valid challan or permit, a fine of Rs 5 lakh per vehicle will be imposed for the first violation.
Officials said:
- failure to pay the penalty within one month
- or repeated violations
could lead to suspension of the mining lease for up to three months.
Persistent violations may eventually result in permanent cancellation of the lease after proceedings initiated by the District Magistrate.
The rules further state that if a leaseholder issues challans for vehicles that are not painted in the prescribed colour, they too will face fines of Rs 1 lakh per vehicle.
Strict Environmental Compliance Measures Introduced
The amended regulations also include stringent provisions linked to environmental safeguards and plantation requirements in mining areas.
Leaseholders failing to carry out plantation activities according to approved mining plans will face heavy penalties.
Under the new framework:
- a minimum fine of Rs 1 lakh has been prescribed for plantation-related violations
- a shortfall of up to 50 trees may attract fines of Rs 5 lakh
- if the shortfall exceeds 50 trees, an additional penalty of Rs 2,000 per missing tree will be imposed over and above the Rs 5 lakh base fine
Six Months Of CCTV Footage Now Mandatory
The government has also tightened transparency and monitoring norms for mining operations.
Under the revised rules, all leaseholders must maintain backup CCTV footage covering the previous six months.
Violations will attract:
- Rs 5 lakh fine for the first offence
- Rs 10 lakh fine for the second offence
Further violations could lead to cancellation proceedings against the mining lease after a hearing process.
Additional penalties include:
- Rs 1 lakh for failing to install signboards
- Rs 5 lakh for failing to demarcate boundary pillars
- Rs 1 lakh each for inadequate water sprinkling and lighting arrangements
Officials said the amendments were intended to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, reduce illegal extraction activities and improve environmental compliance across Bihar’s mining sector.
