In a significant move towards technological integration in mining governance, Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal launched 'Punjab Mines Inspection' mobile application designed to enhance monitoring and inspection of mining activities across the state.
The Android-based application, developed by the Department of Mines and Geology Punjab, will serve as a powerful tool for departmental officers to conduct and document mining site inspections efficiently.
The app introduces several innovative features to strengthen mining regulation and transparency in the state. "This application marks a significant step forward in our fight against illegal mining while ensuring transparent and efficient inspection processes," said Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, adding that the technology-driven approach would help augment state revenue by ensuring better compliance with mining regulations.
He said that the application will enable District Mining Officers, Sub-Divisional Officers and Junior Engineers to submit detailed inspection reports within a 200-meter radius of designated mining sites.
The system will automatically delineate a 500-meter monitoring zone around identified hotspots, capture geographical coordinates during inspections and allow officers to upload images and videos.
A notable feature includes documentation of accompanying officers and an auto-escalation mechanism for unaddressed illegal mining activities.
The application's comprehensive approach includes action taken report submission functionality and real-time monitoring of both Public Mining Sites (PMS) and Commercial Mining Sites (CMS).
This technological intervention to enforce regulations effectively while promoting sustainable mining practices and improved governance across Punjab, he added.
During the launch ceremony, MLA Rampura Phul Sh. Balkar Sidhu, Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary, Mines & Geology, Punjab, Mr. Abhijit Kaplish, Director Mining and Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer, Mining were also present.