AI surveillance on mining transport: overloading-red strip check, strictness on illegal mining

The government is now going to use very modern and new technologies to make the transportation in the mining sector completely transparent, safe and as per the rules. Its main objective is to keep a close watch on every activity of mining related vehicles like trucks so that any irregularities, breaking of rules or illegal work can be detected immediately. This will not only curb illegal mining and transportation, but the government will also get more revenue and corruption on the roads will also reduce significantly.

A high level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Manesh Kumar Meena, Director of Mines and Geology Department. Officials of National Informatics Center (NIC) were also involved in this meeting. There was an in-depth discussion in the meeting on further strengthening the monitoring of mining vehicles. Everyone together decided that now the old system will be abandoned and a completely digital and automated system will be implemented.

Investigation of red stripes on mining vehicles

It is mandatory to wear a special red stripe on trucks used for mining. This strip is for identification of the vehicle, so that it can be known whether it is a legitimate mining truck or not. Now special cameras will be installed at check posts. These cameras will automatically take photographs of the truck and check whether the red stripe is properly applied on it or not. If the strip is not attached or is faded/damaged, the system will immediately alert. Apart from this, digital record of every photo will also be kept in a safe manner, so that if any evidence is required later, it can be easily found.

Detecting illegal minerals hidden in covered trucks

Many times people carry illegal minerals by covering trucks with tarpaulins or covers. To stop this, the government is working on new technology. With this technology, the actual content of the thing covered in the truck can be detected, that is, it will be known whether the truck contains legitimate goods or illegal minerals are being transported secretly. It will be necessary to capture high quality still images of each loaded truck. If any truck is found breaking the rules, its video footage will also be recorded automatically. This will provide strong evidence to the investigating officer and there will be complete transparency in the proceedings.

Control the problem of overloading

Trucks move with heavy loads. Due to which the roads deteriorate. Accidents increase and rule breakers get away with it. To deal with this problem, a modern technology called Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) will be installed at the check post. In Hindi it is called on-the-go weight measurement system. In this system, special sensors are installed inside the road. When the truck passes over it, the sensors immediately measure the full weight of the truck, axle weight etc. The data is automatically entered into the computer and if the weight exceeds the prescribed limit, the system immediately sends an alert. From this:

There is no need to stop the truck, time is saved

• The test is 100% accurate
• Those overloading are caught immediately
• What will be the total benefit of all this?
• Digital identity of every vehicle will be completely ensured
• Photos and videos will provide strong evidence, which will make it difficult to lie.
• Illegal minerals hidden in covered trucks will be easily caught
• The problem of overloading will almost go away
• Human intervention (like bribery) will be very less, as everything will be done by machines and computers.
• There will be a strict ban on illegal mining and transportation
• State government will get more revenue (tax/royalty)
• A new model of discipline, safety and transparency will be created in the mining sector.

The government believes that after the implementation of these new technologies, the entire mining transportation system will become much better and corruption free. This will also benefit the common people because the roads will remain safe and there will be less damage to the environment.