Odisha launches AI surveillance system to curb illegal sand mining; guidelines issued, new norms in force

The Odisha government has introduced a new set of stringent guidelines to curb illegal sand extraction and other violations involving minor minerals, announcing that Artificial Intelligence–powered camera systems will now monitor mining, transportation and storage activities in real time.

The guidelines, issued by the Department of Steel and Mines on Friday following a Cabinet decision, have come into immediate effect.

Notably, the decision marks the first coordinated attempt to use AI-based surveillance tools to track sand mining operations across sensitive riverbeds and transportation routes. According to the department, the guidelines have been circulated to all district administrations for urgent implementation.

AI Cameras To Monitor Mining

The government informed that the new system will enable real-time monitoring and recording of mining and vehicle movement. The guidelines specify that AI-enabled cameras will carry out automatic number plate recognition, face reading where required, and speed detection of mineral-carrying vehicles.

Sources reported that these features are intended to create continuous digital records of excavation and movement, allowing enforcement teams to detect violations more quickly and verify transport details without manual inspection. The department has asked district authorities to identify locations for installation, prioritising river ghats and important transit routes.

The guidelines also state that the cameras will operate as part of an integrated surveillance system linked to a central monitoring dashboard managed by the Steel and Mines Department.

Digital Check-Posts To Track Every Consignment

Alongside the AI cameras, the State will establish digital check-posts to regulate mineral movement. Each check-post will function as a digital checkpoint where the entry, exit and route of vehicles transporting sand and other minor minerals will be recorded electronically.

According to officials, the system will help establish a verifiable chain of transport for every mineral consignment, reducing chances of unauthorised loading or diversion. District administrations have been asked to ensure that data from these digital points is synchronised with the central monitoring system.

The government has directed that the guidelines are effective immediately and must be implemented at once. Further, district authorities must report progress to the Steel and Mines Department.

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The instructions state that installation of AI cameras and setup of digital check-posts should begin immediately, with further technical specifications to be shared in subsequent communication.