Patna: The Bihar government is preparing to expand sand mining operations in six districts to address potential shortages and ensure a steady supply of construction material across the state.
The Mines and Geology Department has identified locations for new sand ghats in Gaya, Arwal, Jamui, Patna, Bhojpur and Aurangabad. Work is also underway to expedite the allotment of existing sand ghats that have not yet been auctioned.
The move is aimed at supporting ongoing construction projects, including government infrastructure works, and reducing the risk of delays caused by inadequate sand supplies.
Which Six Districts Will Get New Sand Mining Sites?
According to information from the department, the six districts identified for exploring new sand mining locations are:
- Gaya
- Arwal
- Jamui
- Patna
- Bhojpur
- Aurangabad
Officials are exploring additional locations in these districts to increase the availability of sand. The department is also focusing on the settlement of previously identified ghats that remain unallotted.
Auction of 452 Sand Ghats Still Pending
The state has identified 541 white-sand ghats and 466 yellow-sand ghats. According to the reported figures, the auction process for 452 sand ghats is still pending.
District magistrates have been directed to accelerate the process of allotting these ghats.
The department expects that bringing more ghats into operation will expand the area available for authorised sand extraction and improve the overall supply of sand in Bihar.
Why Is Bihar Expanding Sand Mining?
Sand is an essential raw material for residential construction, roads and infrastructure projects. Shortages can increase procurement difficulties and delay construction work.
By exploring new mining locations and expediting pending auctions, the government aims to improve the availability of sand for both private construction and public infrastructure projects.
The success of the initiative will depend on how quickly new sites are assessed and existing ghats are allotted and brought into operation.
