Patna: Sand mining will resume across Bihar on Oct 16 after a four-month monsoon suspension with 212 sand ghats reopening to ease supply constraints for the construction sector, the mines and geology department said on Wednesday.Of these, 181 produce yellow sand and 31 white sand.The department collected Rs 1,220 crore in revenue up to Sept in the current financial year, against Rs 862 crore during the corresponding period last year, an increase of Rs 357 crore, or 41%.Mines and geology minister Pramod Kumar attributed the growth to improved management, tighter monitoring and stricter enforcement. He said the govt aimed to ensure easy sand availability, protect mineral resources and promote transparent, environmentally responsible mining.Action against illegal mining has also intensified. Up to Sept this financial year, the department recorded 393 arrests, seized 3,614 vehicles and recovered Rs 52 crore in penalties. During the corresponding period last year, it reported 333 arrests, 2,824 vehicle seizures and Rs 39 crore in penalties.The department has also completed the tendering process for 10 previously unauctioned sand ghats. Mining is expected to begin at nine of them from March 2027, potentially generating around Rs 76 crore in revenue.The reopening is expected to improve sand availability for construction, although its impact on market prices remains uncertain. The department said mining would comply with environmental standards and prescribed regulations.Kumar warned that action against illegal extraction and transportation would continue, stressing the need to protect revenue while ensuring the sustainable use of Bihar’s mineral resources.
