RAIPUR: From raiding 150-metre-long illegal coal tunnels to deploying drones in the skies, Chhattisgarh is scaling up its crackdown on mining violations with a tech-driven push aimed at tightening surveillance and plugging loopholes in extraction and transport.The state government has decided to introduce drone-based monitoring across key mining zones to curb illegal mining and over-extraction. High-resolution aerial surveys and 3D mapping will be used to track whether mining is being carried out within permitted lease areas or spilling beyond approved boundaries.Officials said five drone units will be deployed in the initial phase, particularly in districts of Raipur, Dhamtari, Balodabazar and Bilaspur, where complaints of illegal mining have been frequent. The move is expected to improve monitoring in difficult terrains like forests and hilly areas, where traditional inspections are often time-consuming and resource-intensive.In parallel, the government is rolling out an e-check gate system on 10 prominent transport routes to digitally track mineral movement. Every vehicle transporting minerals will be logged in real time, capturing details such as registration number, type and quantity of mineral, and destination. This system aims to curb overloading, unauthorized transport and royalty evasion, officials said.The tech push comes even as ground-level enforcement has intensified. In Koriya district, a central flying squad on Sunday conducted back-to-back operations, identifying illegal mining sites in Devkhol and Bhalumada regions and ordering their closure through blasting. Over six tonnes of illegally mined coal were seized, and multiple tunnels used for extraction were dismantled.In another action, the mining department seized four poclain machines in Raipur’s Arang area following complaints of illegal sand excavation beyond permitted limits and during restricted hours. Officials said further probe would follow after detailed investigation.Authorities have outlined common forms of violations, including mining without permits, excavation beyond lease areas, over-mining, illegal transport royalty without payments and use of forged documents. Penalties have been tightened, with a minimum fine of ₹25,000 for illegal extraction of sand and other minor minerals.“Drone surveillance and digital tracking will ensure real-time monitoring and quick action,” an official statement from the mineral department stated, adding that satellite-based systems and online transit passes have already helped improve enforcement and revenue collection.
