Jamshedpur: Sand ghat operations set to resume after Oct 15

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: Residents awaiting legal sand sources in the district will soon see relief as one sand ghat is poised to open after October 15, with processes underway for two more. The sand ghat, located on the Swarnarekha river in Bankata of the Baharagora region, has completed all paperwork for sand extraction, pending only the issuance of a Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Pollution Control Board.

Sand mining operations are currently on hold due to a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) until October 15. Upon receiving the CTO, mining will commence promptly. The ghat spans 4.4 hectares and is expected to alleviate local sand shortages once operational.

Efforts are also underway for two additional sand ghats: the Swarnarekha Sand Ghat in Baharagora covering 46 hectares, and Korea Mohanpal spanning 34 hectares. Environmental approvals are pending for these sites, followed by the issuance of CTOs. The completion of these processes is anticipated within the next two to three months.

Upon commencement of mining across these 84 hectares, local authorities anticipate an increase in sand availability, potentially stabilizing prices. Currently, sand is sourced from neighboring states like Odisha and West Bengal, or acquired through illegal mining activities, contributing to inflated prices. Illegal sand is even reported to be used in government projects, underscoring the urgency for legal mining operations.

The approval process for the Bankata sand ghat is in its final stages, with operations slated to begin immediately post the lifting of the NGT ban. Satish Kumar Nayak, District Mining Officer (DMO), expressed confidence in resolving the sand scarcity issue with the initiation of legal mining activities.