Jharkhand sets September deadline for sand ghat auctions

Ranchi, Aug. 20 -- Jharkhand has fixed the first fortnight of September as the deadline for completing sand ghat auctions, with the state government stressing transparency, consumer access at fair prices, strict checks on illegal trade, and greater local participation through Gram Sabhas.

Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, in a video conference with all deputy commissioners today, said the auctions must be completed before the National Green Tribunal's ban on mining ends on October 15 to prevent shortages.

Tiwari directed DCs to study the new sand policy thoroughly and undergo training with mining officers to ensure the process is glitch-free. She underlined that the government's role is not to fix prices but to regulate the trade and keep it...