Agartala, September 19: The Tripura government has introduced a new administrative framework for sand mining and management, transferring the primary responsibility for regulating and administering sand extraction from the Forest Department to the Industries and Commerce Department with effect from September 1, 2026.
Following the government’s decision, a notification has been issued by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce from its office at Khejurbagan in Agartala.
Under the new arrangement, the Industries and Commerce Department and its Directorate will handle applications for sand mining, renewal or extension of permissions, approval of mining plans, mining leases and execution of related documents. Administrative and regulatory matters concerning sand mining operations will also come under the new system.
The government notification said existing leaseholders, applicants, prospective operators and other stakeholders involved in sand mining will now have to approach the Industries and Commerce Department or the Directorate of Industries and Commerce for matters related to their operations. Applications and required documents must be submitted in accordance with the prescribed rules, guidelines and government orders.
The notification also clarified that the Forest Department will no longer function as the concerned authority for routine permissions and approvals related to sand mining under the new arrangement.
However, matters falling within the Forest Department’s statutory jurisdiction, as well as any responsibilities specifically assigned to the department by the state government, will continue to remain under its purview.
The government has asked all concerned stakeholders to take note of the revised administrative arrangement and extend necessary cooperation for its effective implementation.
