Innovative Approach to Tackle Illegal Sand Mining in Bihar

November 22, 2023

Authorities in Bihar’s Bhojpur district have adopted a unique strategy to curb illegal sand mining by constructing pillars in the Sone river on either side of the Arrah-Sahar bridge. The initiative aims to impede boats from transporting illegally mined sand between Bhojpur and Patna, addressing a persistent challenge in the region.

Hotspots of Illegal Sand Mining

Bhojpur and Patna, reporting the highest number of illegal sand mining cases in Bihar, incur significant annual losses estimated at Rs 7,000 crore to the state exchequer. The construction of pillars seeks to target a major means of transporting illegal sand—boats.

River Pillars as a Deterrent

Built over the past three to four months, the pillars in the Sone river act as a physical barrier, preventing small boats from crossing under the Arrah-Sahar bridge. This strategic move is part of ongoing efforts to combat the illicit sand trade.

Challenges in Road Transportation

While the river pillars address the water-based transportation of sand, officials acknowledge that curbing the movement of sand-laden trucks on roads remains a formidable challenge in the fight against illegal sand mining.

Tragic Incident Sparks Renewed Attention

The issue of sand mining gained prominence when a police sub-inspector was fatally struck by a tractor transporting sand during a raid in Jamui district. This incident underscored the urgency of finding effective solutions to combat illegal sand mining.

Scrutiny by National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Bhojpur, in particular, has faced scrutiny from both the police and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has intermittently imposed bans on sand mining in Bihar since 2017. The authorities have been exploring various measures to enforce these regulations and protect the environment.

Continued Vigilance along the Sone River

In May of this year, Bihar Chief Secretary Amir Subhani and DGP R S Bhatti surveyed sites along the Sone river to identify locations for a police picket. The objective was to prevent the movement of sand-laden trucks from Bhojpur and Patna to Saran via the Bhojpur-Chhapra bridge, showcasing the commitment to ongoing enforcement efforts.

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