Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to complete the auction of commercial Sand Ghats. Addressing DCs and mining officials via video conference, she asked them to thoroughly study the new Sand Policy to ensure transparent and glitch-free auctions.
New Policy Aims to Curb Illegal Trade
The Chief Secretary highlighted that the purpose of the revised policy is to make sand available to consumers at reasonable prices while cracking down on illegal trade and discouraging inflow from neighboring states. DCs were advised to undergo training on auction procedures, conduct mock drills, and even set up helplines if required. She added that while the state will not fix prices, administration must guarantee lawful operations, with DCs empowered to cancel contracts for non-compliance.
Also Read: Iron Ore Mines in Jharkhand Remained Closed, Despite Market Demand
NGT Ban on Sand Mining Ending on 15th October
The Government wants auctions completed before the National Green Tribunal’s ban on sand mining ends on 15th October 2025, so that operations can resume on time and scarcity is avoided. Jharkhand has divided Sand Ghats into two categories, first 374 small Ghats under five hectares to be managed by Gram Sabha, and second the larger Ghats over five hectares to be auctioned in 60 groups. No single entity can be allotted more than 1000 hectares or more than two groups. Officials also shared technical guidelines and environmental safeguards with DCs to streamline the process.
Also Read: Coal Ministry Set to Open 13th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auction
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