Lucknow: To curb illegal mining and mineral transportation, Yogi govt deployed advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), drones and satellite-based monitoring systems.Demonstrating an unprecedented level of vigilance, the state blacklisted over 21,477 vehicles found involved in unlawful transportation activities.As part of this crackdown, 57 AI and IoT-enabled check gates were established across the state to monitor vehicles engaged in mining operations. These automated checkpoints, set up with the support of the transport department, utilise weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology to detect overloading of vehicles. The directorate of geology and mining is also using advanced satellite imagery and mapping tools such as Google Earth, Arc-GIS and LISS-IV data to detect illegal mining sites and identify untapped mineral zones.The department’s remote sensing laboratory (PGRS lab) is preparing geological maps and monitoring approved mining leases. The use of drone technology has made it possible to measure the length, width and depth of mining areas. Volumetric analysis through drones helps accurately estimate the amount of mining done and action is taken based on these findings. Drones are also being used to analyse the volume of stored minerals and to mark out mineable areas for proper lease management. Regular inspections and tech-based monitoring improved transparency and curbed the activities of mining mafias.
