Bihar to Resume Sand Mining at 212 Ghats From October 16, Government Targets Supply and Revenue Growth
Patna, October 15, 2026: The Bihar government is preparing to restart sand mining across the state from October 16, ending the annual monsoon-related suspension that began on June 15. The first phase will cover 212 sand ghats, according to reports citing the state's Department of Mines and Geology.
The reopening is expected to improve the availability of sand for construction activities, which often face supply constraints during the monsoon suspension. The state government has also emphasised legal mining operations, environmental compliance and stronger action against illegal extraction and transportation.
212 Sand Ghats to Resume Operations
The first phase will include 181 yellow-sand ghats and 31 white-sand ghats. The department expects the resumption of mining and transportation to improve supply for construction projects across Bihar.
Sand is an essential raw material for residential construction, infrastructure projects and other building activities. A prolonged interruption in legal extraction can put pressure on supply chains, although the effect on local market prices will depend on transportation costs, demand and the pace at which individual ghats resume operations.
Mines and Geology Minister Pramod Kumar has said the government intends to ensure that mining activities follow prescribed rules and environmental standards.
Government Reports Higher Mining Revenue
According to figures reported by the department, Bihar collected ₹1,220.53 crore in mining revenue up to September in the 2026–27 financial year. The corresponding figure for the same period in 2025–26 was ₹862.64 crore.
This represents an increase of ₹357.89 crore, or approximately 41.48 per cent.
The department has attributed the improvement to its revenue-collection efforts, monitoring and enforcement measures. The figures cover the department's reported mining revenue and should not be interpreted as revenue generated exclusively by the 212 sand ghats reopening this week.
Action Against Illegal Mining Continues
The state government has also reported stepped-up enforcement against illegal mining and the unauthorised transportation of minerals.
Department figures cited in media reports show that 393 people were arrested and 3,614 vehicles were seized in cases related to illegal mining and transportation up to September in the current financial year. The department also reported collecting ₹52.71 crore in penalties during the period.
Authorities have said enforcement will continue alongside the resumption of legal mining. The objective is to improve the availability of construction materials while protecting mineral resources and ensuring that the state receives the revenue due from authorised operations.
Nine Additional Sand Ghats Expected to Open in 2027
The department has also completed the tendering process for 10 previously unauctioned sand ghats. Mining at nine of these locations is expected to begin in March 2027, subject to the necessary approvals and operational requirements.
These additional ghats are projected to generate approximately ₹76 crore in government revenue.
The timing will depend on the completion of relevant formalities and the readiness of the sites to begin operations. The expansion could provide an additional source of supply if the planned activities proceed as scheduled.
What the Resumption Means for Bihar
The restart of sand mining will be closely watched by construction businesses, contractors and households undertaking building work. Increased availability could ease some supply constraints, but any reduction in retail prices will depend on how effectively mining and transportation resume across different districts.
The government faces the task of balancing material supply, economic activity, environmental safeguards and enforcement against illegal extraction.
The October 16 reopening is therefore an important operational milestone for Bihar's mining sector. The actual benefits will become clearer as the ghats resume work and the supply of legally extracted sand reaches local markets.
Sources: Live Hindustan, Dainik Jagran and The Times of India, October 14–15, 2026.
Editorial note: Revenue, arrest and seizure figures are attributed to the Department of Mines and Geology as reported by the cited publications. The projected revenue from additional ghats is an estimate, not a confirmed collection.
