Birbhum has emerged as the highest revenue-generating district in West Bengal from mineral resources and land-related sectors in the first four months following the change in government.

According to administrative sources, the district collected Rs 235 crore between April 16 and August 15 from mineral extraction, government land leases, and allied sectors—topping the state’s revenue chart.

The surge in Birbhum mirrors a broader statewide trend. Government data shows that total revenue collection from these sectors rose from Rs 428.20 crore during the same four-month period last year to Rs 567.82 crore this year.

This marks an increase of Rs 139.62 crore—approximately a 33 per cent rise—within a year. Officials attribute the sharp uptick to stricter monitoring, enforcement drives, and coordinated action by the police and administrative machinery.

Jhargram, East Bardhaman follow

After Birbhum, Jhargram ranked second with Rs 70.29 crore in revenue collection over the four-month period. East Bardhaman secured the third position, contributing Rs 56.12 crore to the state exchequer.

Other key contributors include Bankura, which generated Rs 53.06 crore from mineral resources, and West Bardhaman with Rs 48.59 crore.

Since assuming office, the new government has significantly intensified surveillance of sand and stone quarries, particularly in Birbhum—once frequently in the spotlight over allegations of coal, stone, and cattle smuggling.

Officials said that multiple irregularities have been detected, including the discovery of large unaccounted assets linked to several stone traders, including Tulu Mondal.

CM alleges massive revenue loss under previous regime

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has linked the recent surge in revenue to what she described as the curbing of widespread corruption during the previous administration.

Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister claimed that over the past 15 years, nearly Rs 15,000 crore—averaging Rs 1,000 crore annually—was siphoned off from Birbhum alone due to irregularities in the mining sector.

He remarked that these funds could have been used to build hospitals, schools, and generate employment opportunities across the state.

Sharp rise in quarry revenue

Highlighting the contrast, the Chief Minister noted that annual revenue from stone quarrying in Birbhum earlier stood at around Rs 60 crore.

“In just one month after taking charge—by May 9—we collected Rs 83 crore from the same sector,” he said, taking a veiled swipe at opposition leaders over past governance.

Officials within the administration believe the revenue figures are likely to rise further in the coming months as enforcement mechanisms strengthen and monitoring of extraction activities becomes more stringent.

The latest data is being viewed by the government as a key indicator of improved transparency and tighter control over the state’s mineral economy.

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