Surveillance system using satellite data being developed by BISAG
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Apr 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is contemplating to implement the Mining Surveillance System (MSS) using satellite data in collaboration with BISAG, Government of India, having the provisions of automatic system of reporting illegal mining in the Union Territory.
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Sharing this information on floor of the Legislative Assembly, in response to clubbed questions by several MLAs, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that the Department of Mining has taken up the issue with Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG) to implement the Mine Surveillance System for Minor Minerals in J&K.
In this regard, a live portal is being developed by BISAG for generation of triggers for illegal mining activities in J&K UT, for which the data is shared.
Through this system, triggers of illegalities occurring in and around leases areas are followed by verification of the triggers by the District Mining Officer (DMOs)/staff (Mobile App) and thereafter imposition of penalties on the violators as per offence thereof.
This automatic software leveraging image processing technology detects suspicious activities (illegal mining) within a range of 500 meters outside the mining lease boundary. Unauthorized activities or any discrepancy, if found within the range, is flagged off as a trigger by this technology.
Further, the department is also in the process of initiating a proposal regarding on-spot imposition/realization of penalties on violators involved in illegal mining through Point of Sale (POS) machines on the analogy of Traffic Department.
Claiming that the Government of J&K has established a robust mechanism to curb unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals, the Minister Incharge further informed that a Multi-Departmental District Level Task Force Cell, headed by the concerned Deputy Commissioners, has been constituted.
Additionally, Divisional Level Vigilance cum Monitoring Flying Squads/Enforcement team of District Officers have been constituted while 22 Mineral Check Posts at different entry and exit mineral check points across the Union Territory have been set up to ensure strict enforcement of regulations.
The Department has also launched Online Web-portal (e-Challan/eMarket Place) for sale and purchase of minerals online at notified rates for convenience of general public.
The Minister said that the department is taking strict action against any occurrence of illegal mining/unregulated extractions and unauthorized transportation of minerals. These actions include seizure of vehicles/machinery involved , lodging of FIRs against the violators and imposition of fine under rules.
In the year 2024-25, 5629 vehicles/machines were seized while penalty of Rs 1522 lakh was realized for extraction and transportation of illegally mined materials.
The Minister claimed that besides taking action against the illegal mining, the department is strictly following the guidelines and directions of the Supreme Court in granting extraction contracts in the UT of J&K.
As per the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals, and Prevention of illegal Mining Rules, 2016, notified vide SRO-105 of 2016 dated 31.03.2016, and through a transparent e-auction process, mining leases have been granted to the highest bidders.
Out of total 202 mining leases granted in Jammu and Kashmir UT, 144 have been granted to locals and 58 to non-locals
Through mining leases, the revenue to the State exchequer has increased manifold during the last five years. It was Rs 5143.550 lakhs in 2018-19, which increased to Rs 13092.76 lakh in 2024-25.
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