Buxar admin starts awareness drive on inter-state transit pass system

Buxar: To raise awareness about the Inter-State Transit Pass (ISTP) system introduced by the state govt’s mines and geology department, district magistrate Sahila on Monday flagged off a publicity vehicle in the district.

The DM said that the ISTP will become mandatory from June 10 for all vehicles entering Bihar from other states while carrying minor minerals such as sand, gravel and stone dust. The system has been introduced to ensure transparency in mineral transportation, protect govt revenue and strengthen action against illegal mining and transportation.

Deputy development commissioner Niharika Chhavi, additional district magistrate Arun Kumar, district mining officer Amit Kumar and other officials were present on the occasion.

The district mining officer said the awareness vehicle will travel across different blocks, check posts and major routes of the district. “It will educate vehicle owners, drivers, transporters and mineral traders about registration on the ISTP portal, procedures for obtaining transit passes, applicable fees and other important provisions,” he said.

He further said that strict action would be taken under the Bihar Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules against vehicles found transporting minerals without a valid inter-state transit pass and other required documents.

The district administration has appealed to all vehicle owners, drivers and mineral traders to complete their registration on the ISTP portal and comply with the rules related to mineral transportation before the system becomes mandatory.