Bihar reopens 212 sand ghats after four-month monsoon suspension

By Staff Report 1 October 17, 2026 5:34 pm IST

Bihar resumed sand mining on 16 October after a four-month monsoon break, reopening 212 sand ghats to improve supply for the construction sector.

Sand mining resumed across Bihar on 16 October 2026 following a four-month suspension during the monsoon season. The state government reopened 212 sand ghats to ease supply constraints affecting the construction sector, according to the Mines and Geology Department.

Of the 212 ghats, 181 produce yellow sand and 31 produce white sand. Mines and Geology Minister Pramod Kumar said the department was focusing on improving sand availability, protecting mineral resources and ensuring transparent, environmentally responsible mining.

The department collected ₹1,220 crore in revenue up to September in the 2026–27 financial year, compared with ₹862 crore during the corresponding period last year. The minister attributed the increase to improved management, closer monitoring and stricter enforcement.

Action against illegal mining has also intensified. Between April and September 2026, authorities recorded 393 arrests, seized 3,614 vehicles and recovered ₹52 crore in penalties. During the corresponding period last year, 333 arrests and 2,824 vehicle seizures were reported, alongside ₹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 these locations from March 2027, potentially generating around ₹76 crore in revenue.

The department said mining operations would be subject to environmental standards and regulatory requirements, while enforcement against illegal extraction and transportation would continue.

Source: Times of India