In the financial year 2024-25 under Ranchi district, till June 26, 13 FIRs have been registered against 75 accused in various police stations regarding illegal mining, transportation, storage and a fine of Rs 31.55 lakh has also been collected.

During the meeting of the district level task force committee was held on Saturday under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC), Rahul Kumar Sinha to prevent illegal mining The District Mining Officer informed aforementioned information. The members of the committee were present in the meeting held in the Deputy Commissioner's auditorium located in the Collectorate. The action taken by the Sinha to prevent illegal mining, transportation and storage was reviewed.  

Sinha directed action under a special campaign against illegal mining, storage, transportation of sand minerals. He directed the Sub-Divisional Officer Sadar and Bundu to run a special campaign with the cooperation of all the Circle Officers and the concerned police station in-charges of the district and ensure a complete ban on illegal mining, transportation, storage in the zones. Regarding the complaints received from various departments within the district against illegal mining, storage and transportation and the news published in various newspapers against illegal mining, storage and transportation, the Deputy Commissioner directed the members of the District Level Mining Task Force Committee to coordinate and conduct intensive raids as soon as possible and take action as per the rules.

In the meeting, the District Mining Officer told the committee that a total of 395000 cubic feet of sand has been seized illegally within the district. 200000 cubic feet of illegally stored sand was seized from Budhmu zone, 150000 cubic feet from Bundu zone and 45000 cubic feet of illegally stored sand was seized from Nagdi zone. The Deputy Commissioner directed to ensure the auction of the said sand as soon as possible under the supervision of the concerned Circle Officer.

During the meeting, the DC also reviewed the provision of reports related to the Gram Sabha regarding the Category II sand ghats identified within the district. The Deputy Commissioner directed the Block Development Officers of Bundu, Tamar, Sonahatu, Silli, Rahe and Khalari to provide the report as soon as possible.

At present, in the absence of any sand ghats being operated by Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation Limited in the district, Sinha sought information regarding ensuring the supply of sand for construction work as far as possible. The District Mining Officer informed all the members that the registration of 22 mineral sellers of sand minor mineral has been approved in the district, supply of sand minor mineral can be obtained from the said 22 mineral seller registrars.

The DC directed to ensure the process of permit approval after investigation in respect of the registrars who have supplied and stored sand minerals from Bihar and Bengal till now. He also asked to ensure the process of permit approval in future on receipt of sand mineral supply from neighboring states with valid transport challan, GPS record and slip of toll plaza.