Executive summary

The Mahakhanij initiative is a pioneering digital transformation in the mining sector, aimed at ensuring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. By integrating advanced technologies like GPS tracking, e-TP (Electronic Transit Pass) systems, drone surveillance, and GIS mapping, it streamlines mining operations, curbs illegal activities, and enhances governance.

The initiative enables paperless processes for permits, payments, and grievance redressal, benefiting stakeholders with reduced delays and enhanced accountability. Marginalized communities, such as Kumbhar and Wadar Samaj, are empowered through simplified access to resources and ID issuance. Environmental sustainability is prioritized through strict adherence to MoEF&CC guidelines, satellite imagery, and geofencing, preventing over-extraction and illegal mining.

A command-and-control center and real-time dashboards facilitate monitoring, enforcement, and data-driven decision-making, while automated royalty collection boosts state revenue. Overall, Mahakhanij fosters inclusive growth, promotes environmental conservation, and improves livelihoods by modernizing mining practices and building institutional trust.

Objective of the Mahakhanij Initiative

The primary objective of the Mahakhanij initiative is to establish a comprehensive, technology-driven platform for managing mining activities efficiently, ensuring transparency, and combating illegal mining. It aims to integrate advanced digital tools to streamline operations, optimize resource utilization, enhance environmental compliance, and provide better governance in the mineral extraction and transportation process.

Key goals include:

1.      Streamlining Mining Processes: Digitizing registration, permits, payments, and monitoring processes to reduce manual interventions and administrative delays.

2.      Enhancing Transparency: Ensuring accountability and reducing illegal activities by implementing real-time monitoring and reporting systems.

3.      Promoting Environmental Sustainability: Monitoring mining activities to minimize environmental impact and comply with regulatory standards.

4.      Improving Stakeholder Experience: Offering user-friendly digital platforms for lessees, transporters, and consumers to access services and track applications.

5.      Revenue Maximization: Ensuring accurate royalty collection and minimizing revenue losses due to illegal mining or underreporting.

6.   Improving Accessibility: Providing inclusive support for marginalized communities like Kumbhar and Wadar Samaj through digital assistance and grievance redressal.

How the Initiative Achieved These Objectives

1.      Digitization and Automation

o     Online Application System: Enabled online submission and approval of applications, including e-TP (Electronic Transit   Pass), eliminating the need for physical paperwork.

o  KYC Integration: Conducted thorough KYC verification for stakeholders, ensuring data accuracy and eliminating unauthorized participants.

o   Mobile Applications: Developed mobile apps for tracking, managing dispatches, and providing real-time updates to stakeholders.

2.      Integrated Monitoring Systems

o    GPS and Geofencing: Monitored vehicle movement from source to destination using GPS, ensuring compliance with approved routes.

o    CCTV and Drone Surveillance: Deployed cameras and drones for real-time monitoring of mining sites and detecting illegal activities.

o    Command and Control Center: Established a centralized system for real-time alerts, data analytics, and enforcement actions.

3.     Environmental Compliance

o    MoEF&CC Guidelines Adherence( Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change)

: Integrated environmental norms into the permit process, ensuring sustainable mineral extraction.

o    Drone and Satellite Monitoring: Used 3D drone surveys and satellite imagery for periodic inspection and tracking environmental impact.

4.      Enhanced Transparency

o    Barcode and QR-based e-TP: Linked transit permits with dispatch data to track material movement and prevent misuse.

o    Real-Time Dashboards: Offered stakeholders access to real-time updates on mineral dispatches, vehicle tracking, and royalty assessments.

o    Public-Accessible Data: Allowed consumers and departments to verify the availability of minerals and prevent over-extraction.

5.      Inclusive Services for Marginalized Communities

o    Provided digital tools for Kumbhar and Wadar Samaj to apply for mineral lifting permissions and receive ID cards with home delivery.

o    Conducted outreach programs to educate beneficiaries about their rights and processes.

6.      Revenue Assurance

o    Automated Fine Collection: Implemented online fine payment systems to recover penalties for violations swiftly.

o    Royalty Assessment Integration: Ensured accurate royalty payments through automated calculations linked to dispatch and production data.

7.      Support and Grievance Redressal

o    24/7 Call Centers: Operated round-the-clock support to address technical and service-related issues.

o    Grievance Tracking System: Enabled users to raise and track grievances via the mobile app or online portal.

8.      Sustainability and Efficiency

o    New Sand Policy: Ensured sustainable sand mining through geofencing, stockyard management, and consumer apps for online booking.

o    GIS Mapping and Analytics: Allowed precise planning of mining activities based on mineral availability and environmental constraints.

Transforming Lives Through Systems & Institutional Excellence

The Mahakhanij initiative has significantly improved lives by digitizing mining operations, fostering transparency, and curbing illegal activities. By integrating GPS tracking, e-TPs, drone surveillance, and GIS mapping, it ensures fair resource allocation and environmental protection. Marginalized communities like Kumbhar and Wadar Samaj benefit from streamlined mineral access and ID issuance. Online systems for permits, payments, and grievance redressal reduce delays and empower stakeholders. The command-and-control center enhances accountability, while automated royalty collection boosts government revenue, funding social programs. Overall, these systemic reforms build trust, promote sustainability, and enhance governance, directly impacting livelihoods and fostering inclusive growth.

 Impacts / Benefits of the initiative

The Mahakhanij initiative has delivered transformative impacts across governance, environmental sustainability, and stakeholder empowerment in mining operations.

1.   Governance and Transparency: Digitization of processes, real-time GPS tracking, and e-TP integration have reduced illegal mining, ensured compliance, and streamlined royalty collection, significantly increasing state revenue. Automated fine recovery and comprehensive dashboards enhance accountability, while a command-and-control center facilitates efficient monitoring and enforcement.

2.  Environmental Sustainability: Drone surveillance, GIS mapping, and adherence to environmental guidelines minimize ecological damage, ensuring responsible mineral extraction. Satellite imagery helps detect illegal activities, while geofencing prevents over-extraction and promotes sustainable resource use.

3.   Stakeholder Empowerment: Marginalized communities, such as Kumbhar and Wadar Samaj, benefit from streamlined application processes, ID issuance, and grievance redressal systems. Consumers access real-time mineral availability and booking services, fostering inclusivity.

4.      Improved Efficiency: Paperless transactions, mobile apps, and automated systems reduce delays and administrative burdens, creating a user-friendly experience. This initiative enhances governance, promotes sustainability, and uplifts livelihoods across communities.