Bihar

• 30 Dec 2023

Illegal Sand Mining

Why in News?

Recently, Bihar police arrested sand smugglers in a major crackdown against illegal sand mining.

• This operation, near the Sone River, signifies a significant step in the ongoing battle against powerful criminal syndicates involved in illicit sand mining activities.

Key Points

• Initiatives to Prevent Sand Mining in India are Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), 2006 Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), Sustainable Sand Management Guidelines (SSMG) 2016 and Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining 2020.
• The Sone River, a perennial river in central India, is the Ganges' 2nd-largest southern tributary.
• Originating near Amarkantak Hill in Chhattisgarh, it flows through Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, forming waterfalls at the Amarkantak plateau.
  • It merges with the Ganges near Patna, Bihar.
• Tributaries include Ghaghar, Johilla, Chhoti Mahanadi, Banas, Gopad, Rihand, Kanhar, and North Koel River.
• Prominent dams include the Bansagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh and the Rihand Dam near Pipri in Uttar Pradesh.

A Rise in Tiger Numbers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Recently, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had officially announced the increase in tiger population in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR).

• It witnessed the growth in the number of big cats from 31 (2018) to 54 (2023).
• The Bihar government is waiting to obtain NTCA approval for declaring Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s second tiger reserve after VTR.

Key Points

• A total ban on sand and stone mining inside VTR, and strict restrictions on mining in its eco-sensitive zone, helped increase grassland cover.
• An increase in grassland cover thus helps in supporting the prey population, in turn increasing the chances of the carnivores’ survival.
• The VTR is the only tiger reserve in Bihar, which forms the easternmost extent of the Himalayan Terai forests in India.
  • The VTR is located in Bihar’s West Champaran district, bordering Nepal to its north and Uttar Pradesh to its west.
• According to the Forest Survey of India Report 2021, 85.71% of its total area is covered by forest cover.
• Wild mammals found in the forests of Valmiki Tiger Reserve include tiger, sloth bear, leopard, wild dog, bison, wild boar etc.
• Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan and Bhapsa flow through various parts of the reserve.