Ara: About 18% of the total revenue earned by the state through the mines and geology department in financial year (FY) 2024-25 came from Bhojpur, which earned over Rs 200 crore more than the target fixed for the district, according to a press release issued on Monday night. Furthermore, the Bhojpur district also topped all the districts in earning revenue through imposing fines for illegal sand mining in 2024-25. “As against the target of Rs 448.84 crore revenue fixed by the state mines and geology, and finance departments for Bhojpur in 2024-25, it earned Rs 652.4 crore, thus earning about 145% more than the fixed target in the FY,” said the press release from the district magistrate’s (DM) office issued on Monday night. A district official said Bhojpur has also generated Rs 23.59 crore, the highest revenue in the state through imposing fines against illegal sand mining. Asserting that the stern action against illegal sand mining, transportation and storage will continue unabated, both Bhojpur DM Tanai Sultania and superintendent of police Raj have issued a stern warning against those found involved. In 2024-25, 1,774 raids were conducted against illegal sand mining across Bhojpur, 268 FIRs lodged, and 118 accused arrested and 1,111 vehicles were seized, according to a joint statement by the mining department, district administration and police. The district administration has given permits and licences for mining activities for a total of 38 sand ghats. The district mining department earned revenues primarily through royalties and fines. Out of the Rs 652.4 crore revenue earned by the Bhojpur district, Rs 607 crore has been earned as royalties on sand mining. Besides this, the district mining department got Rs 3.5 crore revenue through public auctions of the vehicles seized for indulging in illegal transportation of sand.
