Drones, handheld devices to check illegal mining

Patna: To curb illegal mining and unauthorised mineral transport, mines and geology department is set to roll out a new digital monitoring and enforcement system soon, said officials.

Under this, mine inspectors in districts will be equipped with handheld digital devices. The devices will allow inspectors to check vehicles on the spot, verify documents, issue digital challans, and collect fines immediately. They can verify vehicle’s registration number, mineral quantity, transport challan, permit, and other papers in real time, they said.

If documents are invalid or rules are violated, challans will be issued instantly without paperwork. Additionally, drones will be used to keep a tab on the illegal sand mining being carried out across the state, they added.

According to the mines and geology dept official sources, the move will help control illegal mining, overloading, and transport without challan. It will make enforcement faster, transparent, and accountable, and reduce the need for offenders to visit govt offices to pay fines.

The department will specifically target vehicles carrying minerals beyond the permitted limit or without valid challan. Such violations cause revenue loss and flouting of mining rules. The digital system will enable immediate identification and action, said an official.

Assistant director of mines and geology dept (headquarters), Vikash Kumar Paswan said, “The planning is in its initial stage. We are studying the various high-tech and latest technologies being used by other states to implement it in Bihar. The dept is also planning to have its own drones to keep a vigil on the illegal mining.”

The entire system will be linked to an online monitoring network. Senior officials at headquarters will get real-time data on inspections, challans issued, and fines collected in each district, strengthening oversight.

To ensure smooth rollout, the department will provide special training to officers and mine inspectors on device operation, data entry, online reporting, and fine collection. Technical support and resources will also be made available in districts.

After implementation, the department plans state-wide special inspection drives to send a strong message against illegal mining and transport. The govt expects the tech-based system to improve control over illegal activities and boost revenue collection through digital records and transparency.