Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Launches Drone-Based Surveys To Curb Illegal Mining And Promote Eco-Friendly Sand Projects

Mumbai: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed the implementation of a pilot tender process for drone-based surveys of minor mineral mining zones across the state. It is a significant move to clamp down on illegal mining activities.

The objective is to complete a comprehensive mapping of all mining areas within the next three months, which will not only curb illegal excavation of resources like stone, gravel, and sand but also accelerate the development of eco-friendly initiatives such as artificial sand manufacturing projects.

The directive was issued during a review meeting held at the Revenue Minister’s office, where officials discussed the advantages of using drone technology for accurate and real-time land surveys. Bawankule emphasized that data gathered through these surveys must be submitted to District Collectors every three months and uploaded promptly to the state’s "Mahakhanij" portal.

"Traditional land surveying methods have several limitations and often fail to detect unauthorized mining activities. However, pilot drone surveys have shown exceptional accuracy, making them a reliable tool for mineral resource monitoring," said Bawankule.

Following successful trial runs, the state government has decided to expand drone-based surveys to all minor mineral mining sites. This initiative will involve setting standardized survey procedures, establishing comprehensive evaluation criteria, allocating necessary funds, and ensuring a transparent tendering process.

Benefits of Drone-Based Surveying

. Drones will help track past, ongoing, and potential future mining operations with precision.

. Detailed information on available stone and sand resources will be readily accessible.

. Illegal mining operations will be easier to detect and control.

. The initiative will support sustainable projects like artificial sand production, which can reduce environmental impact.

“This is a revolutionary step toward greater transparency and efficiency in mineral resource management. Using drone technology will not only ensure proper royalty collection but also promote environmentally responsible mining practices,” Bawankule added.