The Bihar government has launched a state-wide enforcement campaign against illegal sand and stone mining. In a month-long drive, the Mines and Geology Department conducted raids at 4,582 locations across the state, targeting illegal mining, transportation, and storage activities. This crackdown led to the seizure of 574 vehicles, the registration of 248 FIRs, and several arrests, dealing a significant blow to the mining mafia.
Authorities revealed that Aurangabad district witnessed the highest number of raids at 331, while Patna district recorded the most arrests at 15 in cases related to illegal mining. Illegal sand mining is prevalent in rivers like the Falgu River in Magadh division, the Son River in Shahabad, and the Ganga River in Patna. Additionally, stone mining frequently occurs in the mountains of Aurangabad, Gaya, Rohtas, and Kaimur.
The campaign against illegal mining is not just a numbers game but a concerted effort to uproot the illegal mining network. The leadership of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Mines and Geology, Vijay Kumar Sinha, has led to visible improvements in the department’s revenue performance. By December 2025, the department had surpassed its annual revenue target, achieving 102% success, credited to the crackdown on illegal mining and the promotion of legal mining activities.
Officials emphasized that areas with repeated complaints of illegal mining will face thorough scrutiny, extending beyond mining operators to the responsible administrative units. Mining officers in all districts have been directed to promptly act on every complaint received. The state government believes that promoting legal and organized mining will not only increase revenue but also create local job opportunities, fostering sustainable economic growth.
