How are Drones Being Used to Combat Illegal Mining in Maharashtra?

Mumbai, June 6 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Revenue Minister and BJP representative Chandrashekhar Bawankule has instructed state officials to initiate a tender process for the pilot use of drones to monitor mining areas, aiming to combat illegal extraction of minor minerals within the state.

"The objective is to finalize the survey of all mining sites across Maharashtra within the next three months, which will not only help in reducing illegal mining but will also boost the project for artificial sand production. The data collected from the surveys is to be reported to the District Collector every three months and will be promptly uploaded to the 'Mahakhanij' website," the Minister stated on Thursday.

A meeting convened at the State Revenue Minister's office addressed the precise measurement of minor mineral deposits in Pune via drone technology. Discussions focused on how to conduct accurate surveys of mining resources using this innovative approach.

According to Minister Bawankule, employing drone technology for the monitoring of extraction activities and royalty collection for minor minerals such as stone, murrum, and sand represents a transformative advancement.

This approach will enhance transparency and operational efficiency in mineral management, the Minister emphasized.

"Traditional land surveying often involves numerous inaccuracies that complicate the regulation of illegal mining. As a corrective measure, drone-based surveys have proven to be highly accurate in pilot trials. Following this successful experiment, it has been decided to extend drone surveys to all mines where minor minerals are extracted. The plan includes establishing clear measurement methods, developing comprehensive criteria, budgeting for expenses, and implementing an open tender process," he added.

"Utilizing drone technology for surveys will yield detailed insights about previous excavations, ongoing activities, future excavation potentials, and existing stone quarries. This will significantly facilitate the monitoring of illegal mining and support environmentally sustainable initiatives like artificial sand production projects," the Minister reiterated.

Meanwhile, Minister Bawankule, who led a meeting with the surveyors' organization, mentioned that the state government is receptive to various demands from land surveyors in the land records department and will engage with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on these matters, highlighting the government's commitment to dynamic and transparent governance.

This meeting was significant, as some employees had initiated a strike over various demands, including a request for the pay scale of the land records enumerator position to be categorized as S-8 according to the Seventh Pay Commission. Following the Minister's assurances, they agreed to resume operations immediately.

Minister Bawankule instructed the Settlement Commissioner to prepare a revised proposal aimed at enhancing the pay scale for enumerators and committed to following up with the Finance Department and the Chief Minister on this issue.

He also directed that the topics of conducting promotional examinations after five years of service and approving a new structure be integrated into the department's 150-day program.

Additionally, he requested the Settlement Commissioner to make favorable decisions regarding travel allowances for enumeration, the acquisition of a rover and laptop for enumeration purposes, and the invitation of tenders for these items.

In a similar vein, he approved the initiation of recruitment for peon positions on a contractual basis.