Patna: The Bihar government has stepped up its campaign against illegal mining of sand, stone, and soil. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Mines and Geology Vijay Kumar Sinha said on Tuesday that the number of police units deployed to curb illegal mining would be increased, and a proposal in this regard would be sent to the Home Department.
Sinha warned departmental officers against negligence, saying strict action would be taken if lapses were found. He noted that the Mines Department had set a revenue target of ₹3,500 crore for 2024–25, which was surpassed with a collection of ₹3,569 crore. In the current fiscal year 2025–26, against a target of ₹3,850 crore, the department has collected ₹1,530 crore by November well above the interim goal.
31,997 Raids, 420 Arrests in Nine Months
The Deputy CM informed that between April and November 2025, a total of 31,997 raids were conducted across Bihar to curb illegal mining and transportation. During these operations, 1,696 FIRs were registered, 420 individuals were arrested, and 3,599 vehicles were seized.
Thirteen officials have been penalised for failing to act against illegal mining, while departmental proceedings are underway against 21 mineral development officers and mine inspectors. Sinha credited “mining warriors” for their active role in enforcing the crackdown.
Public Informants to Receive Cash Rewards
To encourage public participation, the government has introduced a reward scheme for informants. Those providing information on illegal sand transportation by tractor will receive ₹5,000, while those reporting illegal movement by truck will be rewarded ₹10,000.
Sinha said citizen involvement was crucial to effectively tackling the mining mafia. He added that complaint monitoring systems have been strengthened and joint enforcement teams are active in all districts.
Bihar Emerging on the National Mining Map
Mines Department Secretary Devesh Sehra said Bihar is rapidly emerging on India’s national mining map. The state has successfully completed the auction of three blocks of critical and strategic minerals. Of these, one block has already been granted a composite licence, and the remaining two will receive their licences soon.
He added that the department’s focus is on sustainable mineral development that ensures both revenue growth and environmental protection.
Land Reform Dialogue to Begin December 12
Deputy Chief Minister and Land Reforms Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha announced the launch of a “Land Reform Public Welfare Dialogue” from December 12 in Patna to address landholders’ grievances swiftly. The programme will cover all districts within the next 100 days.
The first session will be held on December 15 in Lakhisarai Town Hall, where local departmental officers will be present. The initiative aims to expedite the resolution of land disputes, record corrections, and pending revenue cases.
46 Lakh Applications Under Revenue Campaign
Sinha also reviewed progress under the state’s Revenue Mega Campaign, which received 46 lakh applications across Bihar. Of these, 15 lakh applications have already been uploaded to the system, and the remaining are expected to be processed by December 31, 2025.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary C.K. Anil, Secretary Jai Singh, Director J. Priyadarshini, OSD Chandrima Atri, and other senior officials.
