This week, Maharashtra launched a cutting-edge pilot in Pune district using LiDAR‑equipped drones to monitor and curb illegal mining of sand, murum, and stone. The drones generate precise volumetric data and geo‑referenced maps, enabling authorities to compare reported vs actual excavation in near real time. With 97 quarries under scrutiny, the digital mapping system offers enhanced transparency, revenue protection, and environmental oversight—a smart fusion of drone tech and geospatial intelligence.
Maharashtra’s toolset also includes a web‑based inspection interface, allowing on‑demand virtual monitoring. If this pilot scales statewide, it could become a model for sustainable resource management—transforming quarry regulation from paper‑based audits to live digital enforcement and ensuring ecological balance.
