In a significant escalation of its campaign against unlawful excavation, the Mines and Geology Department of Bihar executed a massive statewide operation throughout December. The crackdown targeted the rampant illegal extraction, transportation, and storage of sand, a critical natural resource.
Scale of the December Crackdown
The department's teams carried out inspections at a staggering 4,582 locations across Bihar's districts. Aurangabad district emerged at the top with the highest number of raids, totaling 331. This widespread enforcement action led to the seizure of 574 vehicles that were being used for illegal mining and transportation activities.
Legal proceedings were initiated robustly, with 248 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered during the month. The highest number of arrests was reported from the state capital, where Patna district saw 15 individuals taken into custody in connection with these illegal operations.
Public Appeal and Administrative Directives
Deputy Chief Minister and Mines and Geology Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has made a public appeal, urging citizens to play an active role in curbing this menace. He has asked people to share confidential tips and information related to illegal sand mining, its transport, and storage through the department's designated helpline numbers. This, he stated, will enable authorities to take prompt action against the offenders.
The department has issued stern instructions to its field officers, emphasizing that illegal mining and the overloading of sand-laden vehicles will not be tolerated. District Mining Officers have been directed to respond immediately to any complaints filed concerning unlawful activities at sand ghats (riverbanks).
Accountability and Revenue Protection
In a move to ensure accountability, the department has mandated inquiries into the role of police station in-charges within whose jurisdictions incidents of illegal sand mining and overloading are reported. The findings of these inquiries are to be communicated to senior police officials for further necessary action.
The government underscored that strict action is essential to prevent significant revenue leakage for the state. The crackdown appears to be yielding positive fiscal results. The department revealed that revenue collection up to December last year had achieved an impressive 102% of the target set for the period spanning April to December.
The concerted effort highlights the state administration's resolve to regulate the sand mining industry, protect the environment, and safeguard public resources from exploitation.
