Maharashtra CM Unveils Upgraded Portal To Curb Mineral Theft And Leakage

(MENAFN- IANS) Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) In a major push toward digital governance, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday launched 'Mahakhanij 2.0' during a Cabinet meeting. Developed by the Revenue Department, the state-of-the-art digital portal aims to bring complete transparency, efficiency, and real-time oversight to minor mineral extraction, transport, permitting, and monitoring across Maharashtra.

While the previous version of 'Mahakhanij' generated approximately Rs 16,000 crore for the state treasury over the last five years, the upgraded 'Mahakhanij 2.0' system sets an ambitious target to collect Rs 25,000 crore in revenue over the next five years.

The traditional administration of minor minerals relied heavily on manual processes and paperwork, posing severe operational and monitoring challenges.

To eliminate these bottlenecks, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule spearheaded the digital transformation initiative. Paper transport permits will be phased out entirely. A fully digital permit system based on QR codes and barcodes (DigiTP) will streamline and expedite the licensing process. Vehicles transporting minerals will be monitored live using GPS, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), GIS, and Geofencing. Instant automated alerts will trigger if a vehicle strays off its designated route. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and video analytics will accelerate administrative decision-making, said a government statement.

A state-level round-the-clock monitoring centre will operate out of Konkan Bhavan to maintain centralised surveillance over mining permits, vehicle movements, and quarry activities statewide. The Konkan Division Commissioner has been appointed as the 'State Coordinator' for this initiative. Advanced surveying technology-including Drones, LiDAR, Bathymetric Surveys, and Remote Sensing-will accurately map and assess mining sites, clamping down on illegal excavation and unauthorised transit. Penalties for non-compliance will be computed automatically by the system according to violation types. Digitised panchnamas (site inspection reports), notices, and fine collections will eliminate human interference and ensure complete operational transparency.

'Mahakhanij 2.0' seamlessly connects with key government platforms including VAHAN, Mahabhulekh, Land Records, DigiLocker, BPMS, CCTV networks, and automated Weighbridges. A standalone Grievance Redressal System paired with a 24×7 Call Centre (08065070555) has been set up to resolve public and business queries.

Additionally, a Dedicated District Executive will be posted at every District Collectorate. Custom Android and iOS applications have been deployed for field officers and staff, marking a milestone step in Maharashtra's broader 'Digital India' transformation, said Minister Bawankule.

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