Bihar dept. to form dedicated force to check illegal mining, transportation of minerals

The Bihar government's Mines and Geology Department plans to establish a specialized unit of 1,000 constables to combat illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals. This decision was announced by Mines and Geology Minister Pramod Kumar on Thursday. The department has prepared a proposal to recruit 1,000 Khana Sipahis (constables) who will bring transparency and independence to mining activities, relieving the local police burden.

Currently, the department relies on the local police for raids against illegal mining, transportation, and storage, which also places an additional burden on district administrations. Kumar stated that the recruitment will be carried out through the appropriate commission, while the eligibility criteria, training, and other modalities are being finalized.

He expressed satisfaction over the revenue collection increase during the current financial year, with the department collecting ₹790.23 crore in the first four months compared to ₹590.12 crore in the same period last fiscal year. In July alone, 16,861 raids were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 278 individuals, seizure of 2,497 vehicles, and recovery of ₹32.64 crore in penalties.