Maharashtra Launches Mahakhanij 2.0 to Curb Mineral Theft

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Sep 15, 2026 20:12

Maharashtra introduces Mahakhanij 2.0, a digital system using AI, GPS, and drones to monitor mineral extraction, prevent theft, and boost state revenue.

Key Points

Maharashtra launched 'Mahakhanij 2.0' to enhance transparency and efficiency in minor mineral management.
The system utilizes advanced technologies like GPS, AI, drones, and digital permits to monitor mining activities and transportation.
Mahakhanij 2.0 aims to curb mineral theft, prevent revenue leakage, and targets Rs 25,000 crore in revenue over five years.
It includes a 24x7 control centre, automatic penalty calculation, and integration with other government systems.
The initiative seeks to reduce human intervention and improve overall transparency in the mining sector.

Mumbai, Sep 15 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday launched the 'Mahakhanij 2.0' digital system aimed at bringing transparency and efficiency to the extraction, transportation, licensing and monitoring of minor minerals in the state.

The system, developed by the Revenue Department, will replace paper-based processes with digital permits and use technologies, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Geographic Information System (GIS), geofencing, drones and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to monitor mineral transportation and mining activities in real time, an official release said.

The state government has set a target of collecting Rs 25,000 crore in revenue from minor minerals over the next five years through the upgraded system.

The existing 'Mahakhanij' system has generated around Rs 16,000 crore in revenue for the state over the past five years, according to an official release issued here.

Under Mahakhanij 2.0, 100 per cent digital transport permits, called DigiTP, will be issued using QR codes and barcodes, eliminating the need for physical permits.

Vehicles transporting minerals will be tracked through GPS, ANPR, GIS and geofencing. The system will generate alerts if a vehicle deviates from its designated route. AI and video analytics will also be used to support decision-making.

A 24x7 state-level control centre will be set up at Konkan Bhavan to centrally monitor mineral permits, vehicle movement and mining activities across Maharashtra. The Konkan Divisional Commissioner has been appointed as the state coordinator for the system.

The government will use drones, LiDAR, bathymetric surveys and remote sensing for accurate mapping and assessment of mining areas to check illegal extraction and unauthorised transportation.

The system will also automatically calculate penalties based on violations, while online panchnamas, notices and penalty recovery are expected to reduce human intervention and improve transparency.

Mahakhanij 2.0 will be integrated with government systems including VAHAN, Mahabhulekh, land records, DigiLocker, BPMS, CCTV and weighbridges.

A grievance redressal system and a 24x7 call centre have also been launched for citizens and businesses. A dedicated district executive will be appointed at each district collector's office.

Mobile applications for Android and iOS have been provided to field officers and staff.

Revenue Department Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharage made a presentation on the system at the launch held during the Cabinet meeting.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule was among those who took the initiative for the upgraded system.

Source: PTI By Rediff Money Desk, Mumbai

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