The Mines and Geology Department has intensified its crackdown on illegal sand mining and transportation across Bihar. In a high-level meeting chaired by Secretary Devesh Sehra on Thursday, it was decided that GPS devices will now also be installed on machines such as Poklen and JCBs used in sand mining, in addition to transport vehicles already under GPS monitoring.
Officials clarified that any attempt to tamper with the GPS would result in the user being blocked for three months. The department also held discussions with NIC on strengthening digital services to ensure greater transparency and security.
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Key issues discussed included relinking pending capped dispatch allocations with the master ID of sand ghats, improving the validity and issuance of certificates, and addressing shortcomings flagged in the security audit.
The department further announced that a field trial will be conducted before implementing an upgraded software system for weighbridges. The new system will automatically generate leaseholders’ user IDs, display instalment and payment deadlines on the portal, and issue timely notices.
Additionally, vehicles entering the state with sand or minerals will now be required to obtain an interstate transit permit.
The meeting was attended by Director Vinod Duhan, Anand Prakash, Somesh, and other senior officials.