Bokaro Administration Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining Operations
The Bokaro district administration has significantly escalated its efforts to combat illegal sand mining activities in the Damodar river region of Bhathua. Acting under the direct orders of Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha, a coordinated operation involving the mining department and local police resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of illegally extracted sand on Wednesday.
Large-Scale Illegal Operations Uncovered
Following an on-the-spot assessment, officials discovered that approximately 2,21,000 cubic feet (CFT) of sand had been illegally excavated and removed from the site. Additionally, around 1,66,000 CFT of soil was found to have been unlawfully dug out. District Mining Officer Ravi Kumar confirmed that an FIR has been lodged at Harla police station against three named individuals: Nirmal Kumar Mahto, Ambuj Kumar Sahu, and Sanjiv Mahto.
Sources indicate that large-scale illegal sand mining has been ongoing at the Damodar River ghat in the Bhathua area for some time. Reports suggest that nearly six earth movers are actively engaged in extraction operations, while more than 100 tractors transport sand daily through various sectors including Sector-6, Sector-4, Chas, Mufassil, Sector-12, and adjoining localities.
High-Level Committee Formed to Address Crisis
In response to the escalating situation, a high-level committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Forest Division Officer of Bokaro. This committee includes:
- The director of DPLR
- The additional collector
- The district mining officer
- The deputy superintendent of police
- Nominated representatives from Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) management
Senior officials from Bokaro Steel Plant were summoned, and the committee has been specifically tasked with overseeing action against the illegal trade. Manikant Dhan, Chief of Communication at BSL, stated, "The joint committee constituted by the district administration has representatives from BSL. The company will work together with the administration and look into the issue."
Persistent Problem with Significant Consequences
The illegal mining operations have reportedly continued unabated despite the existence of a district mining task force, leading to significant revenue losses for the state. Most of the affected land belongs to BSL, with portions under the forest department, while the Damodar riverbed falls under the mining department's jurisdiction.
Over the past four years, the district mining department has registered more than 14 FIRs and seized several tractors and one earthmover in connection with illegal mining activities. The deputy commissioner revealed that a report received on February 16, 2026, confirmed illegal mining and encroachment in the region, while on January 10, 2026, the forest division officer reported unauthorized excavation and transportation on BSL-acquired land in Bhatua village.
Administration Implements Stringent Measures
Following repeated complaints, the administration has decided to initiate stringent action. The deputy commissioner stated that the committee has been directed to conduct intensive inspections to curb illegal mining and encroachment, with mandatory progress reports to be submitted every 15 days.
Earlier, the DC chaired a detailed review meeting at the collectorate attended by key officials including SP Bokaro Harvinder Singh, DPLR director Meenakshi, additional collector Md Mumtaz Ansari, district mining officer Ravi Kumar, chief general manager of BSL Kundan Kumar, and other senior officials. The meeting focused on:
- Strengthening joint enforcement drives
- Intensifying raids on illegal operations
- Ensuring continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas
The administration's renewed focus on this issue represents a significant escalation in efforts to protect natural resources and prevent further environmental degradation in the region.
