The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a high-tech offensive against illegal mining, harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and satellite monitoring to curb unauthorized mineral extraction and transportation, state officials announced on Wednesday.
In a sweeping enforcement drive, over 21,477 vehicles involved in illegal mineral transport have been blacklisted. The state has deployed 57 AI- and IoT-enabled check gates, equipped with weigh-in-motion technology, to monitor mining vehicles in real time. These automated checkpoints, established in collaboration with the Transport Department, detect overloading and ensure compliance, according to a government statement.
The Directorate of Geology and Mining is leveraging advanced satellite imagery from tools like Google Earth, Arc-GIS, and LISS-IV data to pinpoint illegal mining sites and identify untapped mineral zones rich in sand, morang, and other minor minerals. The state’s Remote Sensing Lab plays a pivotal role, generating geological maps and monitoring approved mining leases to optimize resource use.
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To enhance tracking, the government is installing AIS 140-compatible GPS devices under the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS). These devices, linked to the department’s VTS module, provide real-time tracking, route deviation alerts, and detailed reports to curb illegal transport. For the first time, transporters are being registered as stakeholders to ensure accountability.
Drone technology is revolutionizing enforcement by enabling precise volumetric analysis of mining sites. Drones measure the dimensions of mined areas and stored minerals, aiding accurate lease management and identifying mineable zones. This data-driven approach ensures efficient resource utilization and swift action against violators, the statement noted.
The integration of AI, drones, and satellite systems marks a significant leap in Uttar Pradesh’s fight against illegal mining, bolstering transparency and sustainable resource management.
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