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Bihar Cracks Down on Illegal Mining, Seizes 574 Vehicles in State-Wide Raids

The Bihar government intensified its crackdown on illegal sand and stone mining with a comprehensive state-wide enforcement campaign in December. Authorities conducted raids at over 4,500 locations, seizing hundreds of vehicles and registering hundreds of FIRs. Officials credited the leadership of Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha for the campaign's success, which also helped the Mines Department surpass its annual revenue target. The government aims to dismantle the mining mafia network and promote legal operations to boost revenue and local employment.

Key Points: Bihar Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Sand, Stone Mining

  • 4,582 raids in month-long drive
  • 574 vehicles seized & 248 FIRs registered
  • Aurangabad saw most raids, Patna most arrests
  • Department achieved 102% of annual revenue target
2 min read

Bihar intensifies crackdown on illegal sand and stone mining

Bihar's month-long drive against illegal mining saw 4,582 raids, 574 vehicles seized, and 248 FIRs. Revenue target surpassed by 102%.

"The campaign is not merely a numerical exercise but a determined effort to dismantle the network of illegal mining at its roots. - Officials"

Patna, Jan 5

The Bihar government has intensified its crackdown on illegal sand and stone mining, launching a comprehensive state-wide enforcement campaign in December last year.

During the month-long drive, the Mines and Geology Department conducted raids at 4,582 locations across the state against illegal mining, transportation, and storage activities.

As part of the action, authorities seized 574 vehicles, registered 248 FIRs, and made multiple arrests, dealing a major blow to the mining mafia.

According to departmental data, Aurangabad district recorded the highest number of raids (331), while Patna district saw the maximum number of arrests (15) in illegal mining-related cases.

Sand mining in the Falgu River in Magadh division, the Son River in Shahabad and the Ganga River in Patna is rampant. Besides these rivers, mining takes place in Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, Parman, Kamla Balan and others as well.

Mining of stones in the mountains of Aurangabad, Gaya, Rohtas and Kaimur frequently takes place.

Officials emphasised that the campaign is not merely a numerical exercise but a determined effort to dismantle the network of illegal mining at its roots.

The impact of regular monitoring and strict reviews conducted under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Mines and Geology, Vijay Kumar Sinha, is clearly visible in the department's revenue performance.

By December 2025, the department achieved 102 per cent of its annual revenue target, surpassing expectations.

Officials attributed this achievement to the curbing of illegal mining activities and the promotion of legal mining operations.

The department has made it clear that in areas where repeated complaints of illegal mining are received, scrutiny will extend beyond mining operators to include the responsibility of concerned administrative units.

Mining officers across all districts have been instructed to take swift and decisive action on every complaint.

The state government believes that encouraging legal and organised mining will not only boost revenue but also generate local employment opportunities, contributing to sustainable economic development.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the numbers look impressive, I'm skeptical. 4500+ raids in a month? That's a lot. The real test will be if the arrests lead to convictions and if the seized vehicles aren't back on the road next week through bribes. The system needs to be stronger.
A
Arjun K
Good step by the government. Illegal mining causes so much environmental damage and also creates unsafe working conditions. If legal mining is promoted properly, it can create good jobs for locals in Bihar. The 102% revenue target is a positive sign.
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Priyanka N
My uncle works in construction in Patna. He says the price of sand has gone up because of these raids, making housing more expensive for common people. The government must ensure a steady supply of legal sand at reasonable rates, otherwise the poor suffer.
V
Vikram M
Holding administrative units responsible is the key point here! Often, the local police and officials are hand-in-glove with the mafia. Unless there is accountability up the chain, nothing will change. Kudos for that policy. Let's see it implemented.
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Michael C
Interesting data-driven approach. Surpassing revenue targets by cracking down on illegal activity is a win-win. It protects the environment and fills state coffers. Other states should take note of Bihar's strategy.

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