DIRECTIVES FOR EFFECTIVE ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING AND TRANSPORTATION

DIRECTIVES FOR EFFECTIVE ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING AND TRANSPORTATION

28-AUG-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------A meeting of the district-level mining task force was held today under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate of Bhojpur, Mr. Manesh Kumar Meena. Officials present included the Deputy Development Commissioner (Bhojpur), Additional Collector, Sub-Divisional Officer (Ara Sadar), Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Koilwar-2), District Mining Officer, Mining Inspector, and all Executive Engineers, among others. The Sub-Divisional Officers and Sub-Divisional Police Officers of Piro and Jagdishpur, along with all Circle Officers, participated in the meeting via video conferencing. The meeting involved a detailed review of mining-related revenue collection and the actions being taken to curb illegal mining, transportation, and storage.

A review was conducted regarding revenue collection; against the target of ₹91,234.98 lakh set by the department for the 2026-27 financial year, ₹19,540.58 lakh had been realized by August 26, 2026. The District Magistrate directed all concerned Executive Engineers to ensure that, for projects executed by their departments, royalty and ownership fees are deducted in accordance with regulations based on the quantity of minor minerals used and deposited under the mining head, with reports submitted to the District Mining Office in a timely manner.

The District Magistrate noted that river sand mining is currently suspended. Given this situation, he instructed all concerned officials to ensure regular monitoring and intensive raids to prevent illegal mining and transportation. Instructions were also issued to take necessary measures to prevent traffic congestion on main roads. In the 2026-27 financial year, 86 vehicles have been seized and penalties amounting to ₹266.94 lakh have been recovered in actions against illegal mining, transportation, and storage.

To curb illegal mining, the Sub-Divisional Officer, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, District Mining Officer, Mining Inspector, and Station House Officers (SHOs) are to ensure effective action through mutual coordination at all sensitive sites. The District Magistrate also directed that the auction of all pending sand ghats be conducted promptly. Instructions were issued to the District Transport Office and the District Mining Office to coordinate and take necessary action for the auction of confiscated vehicles. Furthermore, regarding outstanding dues under certificate cases, officials were directed to issue notices to defaulters and ensure 100% recovery.

The meeting also reviewed the timely payment of prescribed royalty amounts by all brick kilns operating in Bhojpur district. The District Magistrate clearly stated that the district administration's crackdown on illegal mining, transportation, and storage would continue unabated. He directed that strict action, in accordance with the law, be taken against vehicles involved in illegal activities, as well as against the 'passer gangs' and individuals facilitating illegal transportation.