QUESTIONS OVER SAND STOCKING

QUESTIONS OVER SAND STOCKING

5-JULY-ENG 22

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Despite the Bihar government's best efforts, the illegal sand trade remains unchecked. Powerful mafias are involved in the racket of illegal sand mining and transportation, often enjoying the tacit support of officials. Complaints regarding large-scale irregularities in sand stockpiling have now emerged from Bhojpur, prompting a formal written complaint to the Mines Department.

Ajay Kumar, District President of the Truck Owners' Association (Bhojpur), has lodged a complaint with the Principal Secretary of the Mines Department. The complaint alleges that operators of various sand ghats in Bhojpur district stockpiled sand on a massive scale at secondary stockyards (secondary points) during the period when mining operations were suspended. There is widespread apprehension that at several locations, the quantity of sand stockpiled exceeds the prescribed capping (permissible storage limit).

Reportedly, permission for the sale of sand from these stockpiles has already been granted. However, it remains unclear whether a physical verification of the actual sand quantity and a due assessment against the capping limits were conducted at each secondary stockyard prior to granting this permission. Under these circumstances, the possibility of rule violations cannot be ruled out.

Information also suggests that the inspection of stockpiles was conducted on June 10, whereas sand continued to be stockpiled at various secondary stockyards until June 15. If this fact holds true, granting sales permission based on the June 10 inspection report—without accounting for the additional sand stockpiled subsequently—raises serious questions regarding procedural transparency and legal compliance. An impartial inquiry will help clarify the actual situation. In light of this, a fresh physical verification of the sand stockpiled at the secondary stockyards of all sand ghats in Bhojpur district should be conducted by an independent, high-level committee or a competent technical team. Furthermore, if the inspection reveals stockpiling beyond prescribed limits, violations of rules, or any form of administrative irregularity, strict action must be ensured against the concerned sand ghat operators and culpable officials in accordance with the law. Necessary action should be taken following an impartial investigation into this matter to uphold the public interest, revenue interests, and transparency in mining regulations.