Bihar Enhances Mining Regulations with Focus on Environmental Protection and Revenue Growth

The process of stone mining in the state will be done with environmental protection. At present, 8 mining leases are operational in the state, out of which 7 are in Sheikhpura and 1 in Gaya district. All the districts have been ordered to seek a detailed database of all the mountains of historical, mythological and environmental importance. So that these mountains of special importance can be properly protected. These things were said by Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Mines and Geology Department Vijay Kumar Sinha in a press conference held in the auditorium of the Department of Information and Public Relations on Wednesday.

The minister said that the number of sand ghats has increased from 77 to 171 at present. Currently 94 new ghats are being operated. With the start of operation of all sand ghats, revenue collection will increase by 3 percent. In the current financial year, an increase of 106 percent has been registered in revenue collection. In the financial year 2024-25, the target of revenue collection was set at Rs 2405 crore, out of which Rs 2605 crore has been collected. In the last financial year, 94.38 percent of the target set was collected, in the financial year 2022-23, 90.99 percent of the state target was collected. This year, record revenue collection has been made.

On this occasion, the minister said that from April 1 this year, transit pass and regulatory fee will be determined, all vehicles bringing minor minerals from other states will be charged after paying regulatory pass. This will keep an eye on the minor minerals coming from other states. Mobile SIMs have also been provided to all the Assistant Directors, Development Officers of the department by the government.

Helpline numbers - 0612-2215360, WhatsApp number - 9472238821 have been issued by the department for public complaints related to illegal mining. WhatsApp number- 9472238821, Helpline number- 0612-2215360 have been issued for vehicle owners and drivers for complaints regarding e-challan validity expiry. The general public can register their complaints on these numbers.

Projects worth up to Rs 15 lakh which are implemented at the department level are exempted from the requirement of submitting challan. Provided that the minor mineral has been obtained from a legal source. Out of 12 mineral blocks in Bihar, 9 strategically important mineral blocks are being auctioned at the central government level. Out of these 3 blocks, one (limestone block in Bhora, Katra of Rohtas) has been auctioned at the state government level. Also, auction of two mineral blocks is in process. Collectorates have been built in 6 districts, district control rooms in 18 districts, construction of offices is in process in other districts.

So much action taken against illegal mining

28 thousand 942 raids, 32063 FIRs, arrest of 1206 illegal miners, seizure of 10092 vehicles and recovery of Rs 126 crore 44 lakh as penalty have been done till February 2024-25 in illegal mining and transportation. The number of sand ghats receiving environmental approval has increased from 166 to 230. Apart from this, the number of auctioned sand ghats has increased from 266 to 388. Out of these, 63 out of 121 sand ghats have received environmental approval. 94 new sand ghats have been operated