Agartala, 19th September 2026 : The Tripura government has transferred the responsibility for regulation, management and administration of sand mining activities in the state from the Forest Department to the Department of Industries & Commerce.
According to a public notice issued by the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, the decision has been taken by the state government and came into effect from September 1, 2026.
Under the new arrangement, all matters related to sand mining—including processing of applications, grant and extension of permissions, approval of mining plans, execution of mining leases or deeds, and other regulatory and operational matters—will now be handled by the Department of Industries & Commerce/Directorate of Industries & Commerce in accordance with applicable rules, guidelines and government orders.
The department has informed all existing and prospective sand mining operators, applicants, lease holders and other stakeholders that, from September 1 onwards, applications and other matters concerning sand mining must be submitted to and dealt with by the Industries & Commerce Department through the prescribed procedure.
The notice further clarified that the Forest Department will no longer be the competent authority for granting permissions or approvals related to sand mining, except in matters specifically falling under its statutory jurisdiction or where otherwise directed by the government.
The Directorate of Industries & Commerce has urged all concerned stakeholders to take note of the change and extend necessary cooperation for the smooth implementation of the transfer.
The public notice was digitally signed by Dr. Deepak Kumar, IAS, Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Tripura, on September 2, 2026.
