State Bureau, Ranchi. The operation of sand mines is gradually becoming more accessible in Jharkhand. As production begins at the mines, the availability of sand in the state will increase, leading to a reduction in prices. In a meeting of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) on Thursday, the operation of four mines in Lohardaga, two in Garhwa, and one in Ranchi was approved. After the meeting, the mining process and action plan will be prepared.
Mining Begins at Sundil Mine
In Jharkhand, commercial sand mining will soon begin at 58 mines. All these sand mines will be operated under the Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation. After completing the paperwork for the approved mines, mining operations will commence.
Mining has already started at the Sundil mine in Ranchi. This mine, covering an area of four hectares, was recently awarded to Ajlal Ansari.
Mining to Begin Soon in Khunti
In the next couple of days, mining will begin at another sand mine in Khunti. This will address the sand shortage in Ranchi, where three mines are already operational. So far, 57 sand mines in the state have received environmental clearance.
Rising Cases of Illegal Mining
Illegal Sand-Laden Tractor Seized
In Barkaagao, SDPO Pawan Kumar seized a tractor laden with illegally mined sand in the Nayatan area. Station House Officer Kundan Kant Vimal mentioned that further action is being taken at the Barkaagao police station. Inspector Anil Kumar and the police force were present at the scene.
1.16 Lakh CFT of Illegal Sand Seized at Sodo Jargodih
In a joint raid by the Mining Department and Echagadh police patrol at Sodo Jargodih in Echagadh block, 1.16 lakh cubic feet (CFT) of illegal sand was seized. Under the guidance of District Mining Officer Jyoti Shankar Satpati, Mining Inspector Sameer Kumar Ojha led the raid with police personnel.
Despite continuous raids to curb illegal sand mining, storage, and transportation, the department has failed to control these activities. Illegal sand miners continue to operate, hiding their activities with careful surveillance and moving sand without getting caught.
There are hideouts for sand smugglers at every corner, and they keep track of police and officials moving around, ensuring their illegal transportation remains undetected.
Mining Inspector Sameer Kumar Ojha stated that 1.16 lakh CFT of illegal sand was seized at Sodo Jargodih. He mentioned that the land will be marked, and action will be taken against the landowners and those storing illegal sand.
