Bankata ghat to open after October 15, two more in pipeline
Jamshedpur district’s sand shortage nears resolution as authorities prepare to launch legal mining operations on the Swarnarekha river.
JAMSHEDPUR – Residents of East Singhbhum district can expect relief from the ongoing sand scarcity as legal mining operations are set to commence after October 15.
A sand ghat in Bankata, Baharagora region, covering 4.4 hectares on the Swarnarekha river, awaits final clearance from the Pollution Control Board.
"We’re in the final stages of the approval process for the Bankata ghat," stated Nayak Kumar Satish, District Mining Officer.
Mining activities are currently halted due to a National Green Tribunal ban until October 15.
Two additional sand ghats, spanning a total of 80 hectares, are in the pipeline pending environmental approvals.
"These new ghats should be operational within the next two to three months," Nayak added.
The commencement of legal mining is expected to stabilize sand prices and reduce reliance on illegal sources.
Currently, sand is sourced from neighboring states or through illegal mining, leading to inflated prices.
Local authorities anticipate increased sand availability across 84 hectares once all three ghats become operational.
The move aims to curb the use of illegally mined sand in government projects and address the district’s construction needs.
