Patna | Dec 05, 2017: Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday justified the ban on sand mining and the formation of new rules with regard to the trade, but said the government was committed towards easy availability of sand to the people.

"The ban on rampant, unchecked sand mining, as done before, was necessary as those indulging in the trade were harming the environment. They were given clearances to mine in a particular stretch and to a particular depth, but they would do so in an extended area and to more depth," he said.

"Transportation rules were not being followed by those indulging in the trade. Roads were getting destroyed. People were illegally earning much in this trade, which was not observed on paper, but the public was seeing it. We then thought of framing a new set of rules to stop these," Nitish said.

The chief minister also said he used to see "over mining" while flying in helicopters. It seemed people were digging everywhere. "Many times action was taken and vehicles used in sand mining and transportation were seized. But things did not improve much," he said. Nitish was talking on the sidelines of Lok Samvad at his official 1 Aney Marg residence and was asked about sand scarcity in the state and its shooting prices. "The chief secretary is reviewing this at his level. We will enquire how and why the price of sand has gone up. The intention of the new rules is to provide relief to the people and steps will be taken in this regard," Nitish said.

(Source: https://www.telegraphindia.com/)