Patna, Aug 10: More than half of Bihar’s identified sand ghats have reportedly not completed the auction process even four months into the 2026-27 financial year, raising concerns over potential revenue losses and the possibility of unauthorised sand mining.The delay has become a concern for the state Mining and Geology Department, which is estimated to lose hundreds of crores of rupees if the pending auction and operational procedures are not completed in time.
According to the report, the state has around 600 sand ghats at different stages of the auction process. Officials have been asked to coordinate with district administrations and expedite the tender and auction procedures.The department has identified 466 yellow-sand ghats, of which only a limited number are currently operational. Similarly, a substantial portion of the 541 white-sand ghats are yet to be auctioned.
Officials have attributed the delays to several factors, including pending environmental clearances, incomplete auction procedures and the non-finalisation of arrangements for certain ghats.The report estimates that the state could face a revenue loss of around Rs 150 crore from several delayed sand ghats.
In addition, delays involving other groups of ghats could result in further losses estimated at nearly Rs 250 crore.Several districts, including Patna, Aurangabad, Arwal, Jehanabad and Muzaffarpur, are reportedly affected by the delays. In some cases, auction teams have not completed the required preparations, preventing the ghats from becoming operational.
The situation has also raised concerns over illegal sand extraction. With construction activity continuing to generate demand for sand, officials fear that delays in making legal mining sites operational could create opportunities for unauthorised mining and transportation.Environmental approvals are another key factor holding up operations. The department has reportedly directed officials to ensure that all necessary permissions are obtained before mining activities begin.
The state government is now seeking to accelerate the auction process and bring more sand ghats into legal operation. Authorities are also expected to strengthen monitoring to prevent illegal extraction and ensure that sand mining generates the intended revenue for the state.
The government’s immediate challenge is to balance timely auctioning and legal supply of sand with environmental safeguards and effective action against unauthorised mining.
