Tripura Transfers Sand Mining Regulation from Forest Department to Industries & Commerce Department

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 2, 2026

The Government of Tripura has transferred the responsibility for the regulation, management and administration of sand mining activities across the state from the Forest Department to the Department of Industries & Commerce.

The decision was formally announced through a public notice issued by the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Khejurbagan, Agartala. According to the notification, the transfer has been made pursuant to a decision of the Government of Tripura, with the new arrangement coming into effect from September 1, 2026.

Under the new arrangement, all matters related to sand mining, including processing of applications, granting or extending permissions, approval of mining plans, execution of mining leases or deeds and other issues connected with the regulation and operation of sand mining activities will now be handled by the Department of Industries & Commerce or the Directorate of Industries & Commerce. These activities will be undertaken in accordance with the applicable rules, guidelines and government orders.

The notification has also specifically informed existing and prospective sand mining operators, applicants, lease holders and other stakeholders about the change in authority. From September 1 onwards, applications and other matters relating to sand mining are required to be submitted to and dealt with by the Department of Industries & Commerce or the Directorate of Industries & Commerce through the prescribed procedure.

As a result of the administrative shift, the Forest Department will no longer remain the competent authority for granting permissions or approvals relating to sand mining, except in matters that specifically fall within its statutory jurisdiction or where otherwise directed by the state government.

The government has urged all concerned stakeholders to take note of the change and extend the necessary cooperation for the smooth implementation of the transfer of sand mining responsibilities to the Industries & Commerce Department. The notification confirms that the new system has been in force with effect from September 1, 2026.

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