GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES PLAN TO BOOST SAND SUPPLY

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES PLAN TO BOOST SAND SUPPLY

21-OCT-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------The Department of Mines and Geology in Bihar has formulated a plan regarding sand ghats (sand extraction sites). To ensure there is no shortage of sand, six districts have been selected for sand mining. Additionally, preparations are underway to auction 452 sand ghats.

According to available information, construction projects are currently underway across several districts in Bihar. The government aims to ensure an uninterrupted supply of sand for both public and government-led construction projects, preventing any work from stalling due to shortages. Meanwhile, emphasis is also being placed on the auctioning of sand ghats. Preparations are underway to auction those ghats that, for various reasons, could not be auctioned previously.

According to information from the Department of Mines and Geology, districts where sand ghats have been identified for mining include Gaya, Arwal, Jamui, Patna, Bhojpur, and Aurangabad. Efforts are being made to locate new sites for sand extraction in these districts. Furthermore, there is a focus on finalizing the settlement (allotment) of sand ghats that have not yet been auctioned; steps are being taken to expedite the settlement process for the sites already identified.

Reports indicate that 541 'white' (type/category) sand ghats and 466 'yellow' (type/category) sand ghats have been identified across the state. Of these, 452 are yet to be auctioned. In light of this, the District Magistrates (DMs) have issued directives to accelerate the settlement process for these sand ghats. The department believes that once these sand ghats become operational, the scope for mining will expand, which will also lead to an increase in the supply of sand.