Bihar Steps Up Crackdown On Illegal Mining With New Reward Scheme

The Bihar government has strengthened its statewide crackdown on illegal sand, stone and soil mining, with Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha announcing an expansion of police deployment and tougher action against negligent officers. He confirmed that a proposal to increase enforcement units will be sent to the Home Department to further tighten surveillance across mining hotspots.

Sinha also highlighted the Mines Department’s strong revenue performance. Against the 2024–25 target of ₹3,500 crore, collections reached ₹3,569 crore. For the current fiscal year, the state has already achieved ₹1,530 crore by November, surpassing interim benchmarks. He warned that any lapse in preventing illegal mining would invite strict disciplinary measures.

Between April and November 2025, authorities conducted 31,997 raids across Bihar, registering 1,696 FIRs, arresting 420 individuals and seizing 3,599 vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transport. Thirteen officials have already faced penalties, while investigations continue against more than 20 mineral development officers and inspectors. Sinha credited active enforcement teams for driving the crackdown.

To strengthen public participation, the government has introduced a reward system for tip-offs. Individuals reporting illegal sand transport via tractor will be rewarded ₹5,000, and those reporting truck-based transport will receive ₹10,000. Authorities say public involvement is essential to dismantling entrenched mining networks.

Mines Department Secretary Devesh Sehra stated that Bihar is emerging as an important player in India’s mineral landscape. Three critical mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned; one has already received a composite licence, and the remaining two are nearing approval. The department is prioritising environmentally responsible mineral development.

Alongside mining enforcement, the government is preparing to launch the “Land Reform Public Welfare Dialogue” beginning December 12 in Patna, aimed at addressing land-related grievances across the state. The first district-level session is scheduled for December 15 in Lakhisarai. The initiative will focus on resolving disputed records, pending cases and long-standing land issues within 100 days.

Under the ongoing Revenue Mega Campaign, Bihar has received 46 lakh applications, with 15 lakh already uploaded for processing. The remaining cases are expected to be completed by December 31. Senior officials, including Principal Secretary C.K. Anil and Secretary Jai Singh, reviewed progress in a meeting on Tuesday.

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