Digital System to Prevent Mineral Theft and Leakage
Target of Rs 25,000 Crore Revenue in the Next Five Years
Mumbai, Sept 2026 : The Revenue Department has launched the advanced digital system ‘Mahakhanij 2.0’ to bring complete transparency and efficiency to the processes of excavation, transportation, licensing and monitoring of minor minerals in Maharashtra. The system was formally launched by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the Cabinet meeting.
The traditional process of managing minor minerals involved extensive paperwork and human intervention, resulting in several difficulties in monitoring. To overcome these challenges and equip minor mineral administration with advanced technology, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule took the initiative, paving the way for a digital transformation of minor mineral administration through this system.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Vikas Kharage made a presentation on the initiative. Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agarwal, Joint Secretary Manisha Jaybhaye, RailTel Company head Vinod Agarwal and Konkan Joint Commissioner Ravindra Pawar were present on the occasion.
Through the ‘Mahakhanij’ system, the state government has collected approximately Rs 16,000 crore in revenue over the past five years. Now, through the new and advanced version ‘Mahakhanij 2.0’, an ambitious target of collecting Rs 25,000 crore in revenue over the next five years has been set.
Key Features and Technology of ‘Mahakhanij 2.0’
- 100% Digital Transport Permit (DigiTP): There will no longer be a need for physical paper-based transport permits. A completely digital permit based on QR Code and Barcode technology will be issued, making the permit process easier and faster.
- Real-Time Monitoring through GPS and AI: Vehicles transporting minerals will be monitored in real time through GPS, ANPR, GIS and Geofencing. If a vehicle takes a route different from the prescribed route, the system will immediately generate an alert. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and video analytics will also be used to speed up the decision-making process.
- 24×7 Control Centre at Konkan Bhavan: A state-level 24×7 control centre will be established at Konkan Bhavan. The centre will provide centralised monitoring of all mineral permits, vehicle movements and activities at mines across the state. The Konkan Divisional Commissioner has been appointed as the ‘State Coordinator’ for this purpose.
- Curbing Illegal Mining through Drones and LiDAR: Modern technologies such as drones, LiDAR, bathymetric surveys and remote sensing will be used for accurate mapping and assessment of mining areas. This will help effectively curb illegal excavation and unauthorised transportation.
- Automated Penalties and Online Panchanama: The penalty amount will be automatically determined by the system based on the nature of the violation. Online panchanama, notices and penalty recovery will eliminate human intervention and bring greater transparency to the process.
- Integration with Other Systems: The ‘Mahakhanij 2.0’ system will be integrated with various government systems, including VAHAN, Mahabhulekh, Land Records, DigiLocker, BPMS, CCTV and weighbridges.
- Grievance Redressal for Citizens and Businesses: A dedicated ‘Grievance Redressal System’ and a 24×7 call centre (08065070555) have been launched for the speedy resolution of complaints from citizens and businesses concerned. A Dedicated District Executive will also be appointed in every District Collector’s office. Android and iOS applications have been made available for field officers and employees. The initiative is expected to be an important step towards achieving ‘Digital Maharashtra’.
