Satellite to GPS to remote sensing, govt plans to rope in tech to curb illegal mining

According to department officials, proposals have been prepared to strengthen the technical measures to prevent illegal mining and transportation. The Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) will enable real-time tracking of vehicles transporting minerals. It will also ensure that a permit is issued only when the vehicle is present in the geo-fenced mining area.

Proposals to implement the VTS system have been received from UPDESCO, and proposals have also been requested from other technical institutions, an official said.

Remote sensing will also be used to prevent illegal mining. A remote sensing lab has already been established at the directorate level, which will prepare satellite imagery to identify new mining areas and mark illegal mining activities. Brick kilns will also be identified using remote sensing. There are 15,444 registered brick kilns in the state.

Drone surveys will be conducted to survey mining areas and approved zones. The department is also planning to increase the number of vehicles used for enforcement.

Currently, only 55 districts have vehicles approved for enforcement actions. A proposal to approve vehicles for all districts will be sent soon, said an official, adding the employees have been instructed to wear uniforms during enforcement actions.