A big decision has been taken regarding the process of stone mining in Bihar. The mining process will now be done with environmental protection. This will curb the mining mafia. At present, 8 mining leases are operational in the state, out of which 7 are present in Sheikhpura and 1 Gaya district. A detailed database of all the mountains of historical, mythological and environmental importance has been sought from all the districts, so that the mountains can be preserved properly. Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of the Department of Mines and Fighting, said these things in the press conference.

He said that the number of sand ghats has increased from 77 to 171. 94 new ghats are being operated. With the commencement of operating all sand ghats, the revenue collection will increase by 3 percent. In the current financial year, revenue collection has increased by 106 percent. In the financial year 2024-25, the target of revenue collection was set for Rs 2405 crore, in which Rs 2605 crore has been collected.

Small minerals coming from other states watch

The deputy CM said that from April 1 this year, the fee will be charged by paying the regulatory pass to all vehicles bringing small minerals from other states. With this, small minerals coming from other states will be monitored. Mobile SIMs have also been provided to all the assistant directors, development officers of the department on behalf of the government.

State government issued helpline number

Helpline number- 0612-2215360, WhatsApp number-9472238821 has been issued by the department for public complaints related to illegal mining. WhatsApp number- 9472238821, Helpline Number- 0612-2215360 has been issued for vehicle owners and drivers. People can file their complaint on these numbers.

Projects up to Rs 15 lakh which are implemented from the level of the department. They are exempted from the imperative to dedicate the challan. Provided the small mineral is obtained from a valid source.

So much action taken against illegal mining

In illegal mining and transport, 28 thousand 942 raids, 32063 FIRs, 1206 arrest of illegal miners, 10092 vehicles withdrawn and imprisonment of Rs 126 crore 44 lakh have been recovered till February. The number of environmental sanctioned sand ghats has increased from 166 to 230.

Apart from this, the number of auction sand ghats has increased from 266 to 388. Of these, out of 121 sand ghats, 63 ghats have received environmental approval. 94 new sand ghats have been operated.