General public hopeful of relief, sand will become cheaper. (file photo)
State Bureau, Ranchi. After the implementation of PESA rules in the state, the process of auctioning sand ghats in various districts has gained a lot of momentum. In this sequence, the auction process of sand ghats in Simdega and Lohardaga districts is being completed.
Administrations in various districts are showing readiness to complete the auction of sand ghats falling under their jurisdiction. Preparations are on to complete the auction process of a total of 444 sand ghats including all the 24 districts of Jharkhand, which will increase the availability of sand for construction works in the coming time.
After High Court's ban, the way for auction is now clear
Due to non-implementation of PESA rules in the state, Jharkhand High Court had earlier banned the allocation of sand ghats and minor minerals.
Now that the new rules have come into force in the state, it is expected that all the district administrations will soon complete the auction process and get the allotment work done.
Under 'The Jharkhand Sand Mining Rules-2025', e-auction of Category-02 sand ghats or groups of ghats will be conducted in the respective districts. In this series, the dates of auction have also been released by Lohardaga and Simdega district administration.
Bidding for these ghats of Simdega and Lohardaga
A total of 14 sand ghats will be auctioned on January 22 in Simdega district. These mainly include Gora, Ramjal, Latakel, Konaroiya, Sogra-Nanessera, Kochedega, Pithara-02 and Tilga, Pithara and Pothatoli, Paikapara and Koromiya sand ghats.
At the same time, auction of 13 sand ghats is to be held in Lohardaga district on February 4. The major ghats of Lohardaga include Gitilgarh-Kharta, Doba, Kolsimri-Doba, Lavagai-Nadingada, Harmu-Bhakso, Kaimo-Bhakso, Bargaon-Kaimo, Juria-Tigara, Dandu-Medho, Ekagudi-Medho, Senha-Medho, Jogna-Medho and Ugra-Bhadgaon.
Prices will decrease: The atmosphere will change in the entire state including Ranchi.
With the start of the auction process of sand ghats in Jharkhand, there is an improvement in the rates of sand. Once again the prices of sand have started decreasing in the state, although the auction of all the ghats has not been completed yet.
Officials believe that as soon as the process related to the auction of more than 400 sand ghats identified in the state is completed, there will be a significant reduction in the rate of sand in all the districts including the capital Ranchi.
This will facilitate the general public in building houses and there will also be a decline in the cost of government construction works. Due to lack of proper auction, illegal sand was being sold at arbitrary prices. This was causing loss of revenue.