Hyderabad: The state government will have an integrated surveillance system to monitor activities in the mining sector. The mining department is gearing up to deploy drones as part of the surveillance system. “We will speed up the approval process to make it online for total transparency,” industry, IT and mines minister K.T. Rama Rao said.

After unveiling the mining department here on Wednesday, Mr Rao said: “The portal will facilitate online approvals. Right from applications to approvals, everything will be online. The new portal will display information and data about mineral deposits, mineral-based industrial potential, etc. The department should start using drones for monitoring the mining activity in the state.”





Geo-mapping and digitilisation of the entire state will enable the department to map the exact leasing area and vehicles that transport minerals using GPS and RFID, etc.

“Mineral dealers can upload their renewal applications on the portal. The department will provide licences with digital signatures,” said Mr Sushilkumar, director, mines and geology department.

At a a review meeting at the Secretariat, Mr Rama Rao along with irrigation minister T. Harish Rao directed sugar factories to immediately pay the dues to farmers. Both ministers reviewed the situation of sugarcane farmers spread over Sidhipet, Medak, Sangareddy, Zaheerabad and other parts of the state.

“Sugar factories used 4.59 lakh metric tons of sugarcane and owe Rs 57 crore to farmers. We ask you (sugar factories) to pay Rs 25 crore this month and Rs 32 crore next month. The state government is providing all the facilities to the industry. And you (industry) shouldn’t cause inconvenience to farmers,” said Mr Rao.