Jharkhand has fixed the first fortnight of September as the deadline for completing sand ghat auctions, with the state government stressing transparency, consumer access at fair prices, strict checks on illegal trade, and greater local participation through Gram Sabhas.
Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, in a video conference with all deputy commissioners on Wednesday, said the auctions must be completed before the National Green Tribunal’s ban on mining ends on 15 October to prevent shortages.
Tiwari directed DCs to study the new sand policy thoroughly and undergo training with mining officers to ensure the process is glitch-free. She underlined that the government’s role is not to fix prices but to regulate the trade and keep it legal. “The aim is clarity, fairness, and timely availability,” she said, adding that DCs would have powers to cancel contracts of violators.
Mining Secretary Arwa Rajkamal and Director Rahul Sinha stressed the importance of district administrations in carrying out the auctions, advising them to conduct mock drills, brief prospective bidders, and even set up helplines where necessary.
Under the new framework, sand ghats have been divided into two categories: 374 smaller ghats under five hectares to be run through Gram Sabhas, and larger ones to be auctioned in 60 groups. No individual will be allowed control of more than 1,000 hectares or more than two groups, a step to prevent monopoly.
Officials said the revised system is expected to generate revenue, check cartelisation, and curb illegal mining, while ensuring that the construction sector does not face disruption. Environmental safeguards were also outlined by SEIAA member Rajiv Lochan Bakhshi, while JAP-IT representatives detailed the digital procedures to ensure transparency.