Major Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining in Bihar Districts
Major Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining in Bihar Districts
The Bihar government has launched a major crackdown on illegal sand mining operations across several districts, aiming to curb environmental degradation, loss of revenue, and criminal activity linked to the unregulated extraction of natural resources. This statewide operation, coordinated by the Department of Mines and Geology in collaboration with local police and district administrations, marks one of the most aggressive actions taken in recent years against the illegal sand mafia.
The crackdown, which began in early May 2025, has primarily targeted high-risk districts such as Saran, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Rohtas, and Patna—regions where illegal sand mining has been most rampant. Dozens of raids have been conducted along riverbanks, particularly near the Ganga, Sone, and Gandak rivers. Authorities have seized hundreds of trucks, earthmovers, and boats involved in unauthorized mining and transportation of sand.
Over 150 individuals have been detained so far, including transporters, site operators, and middlemen. FIRs have been lodged under various sections of the Bihar Minor Mineral Rules and the Indian Penal Code. In addition, the government is deploying drones and satellite surveillance to monitor riverbanks and detect suspicious activity in real-time.
Illegal sand mining has long been a serious issue in Bihar, causing severe damage to river ecosystems, altering water flow, and contributing to frequent flooding and erosion. It also results in massive losses to the state exchequer, as unlicensed operators bypass official channels and avoid paying royalties and taxes.
Bihar’s Mines and Geology Minister stated that the crackdown is part of a larger policy shift toward sustainable and regulated mining practices. New guidelines are being drafted to ensure stricter licensing, GPS tracking of transport vehicles, and transparent auction procedures for sand ghats.
Local residents and environmental activists have welcomed the crackdown, noting that unchecked mining had endangered both livelihoods and the environment. Fishermen and farmers, who are often the first to feel the impact of degraded riverbanks and polluted waters, have expressed relief at the government’s decisive action.
The campaign is ongoing, with district authorities directed to file daily progress reports. The state government has assured that legal sand mining through licensed contractors will continue to meet construction demand, but illegal activities will face zero tolerance moving forward. This crackdown marks a turning point in Bihar’s efforts to enforce environmental laws and protect its natural resources.