Dakshina Kannada DC introduces online watchdog on sand transport
Geo-fencing, CCTVs and GPS are the components of web-based sand tracking system
MANGALURU:
Though GPS tracking was implemented for sand transportation trucks way back in 2009-10 in Dakshina Kannada district, there were many loopholes. Understanding the necessity of a single-window monitoring system, the Sand Monitoring committee headed by Deputy Commissioner KV Rajendra (IAS) has introduced ‘Maralu Pariveekshaka’. This web-based software has been developed by Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (Keonics) and the real-time remote monitoring is done from the Smart City control room.
Geo-fencing of sand blocks
All the permitted sand blocks across the district are geo-fenced using GPS coordinates and made available on the monitoring web platform. Information about sand extraction permit holders, their validity, approved sand quantity, etc. is also available. This not only helps officials ascertain if the sand extraction is from the permitted location, it also counts the number of times each truck visits the location to load the sand. The software also identifies vehicles without a valid booking and mineral dispatch permit, and identifies vehicles which cross the state border.
CCTVs at sand blocks
All major sand blocks are installed with 360-degree rotatable, night vision CCTVs. The live feed from these high-end CCTV cameras is integrated with the system and monitored for any illegal activities such as sand extraction at night, vehicles without a permit entering or loading, unauthorized boats being used, etc.
GPS provison for trucks and boats
GPS on all trucks has to be integrated with the monitoring platform. Vehicle and boat owners are allowed to generate a QR code-based GPS fitment certificate only when their GPS is live on the platform. Vehicle and boat owners can check their GPS status on http://karsand.in/vehicleList.php.
Sand booking for citizens
Sand Bazaar, the sand booking system for citizens, has been integrated with ‘Maralu Pariveekshaka’. Only vehicles with an active GPS can avail the bookings. This helps avoid multiple trips with the same permit as well as destination deviations.
Mobile app monitor
The integrated monitoring platform also comes with an app which serves as a mobile checkpost. It shows if the vehicle possesses a valid permit.
Keonics has implemented the technology through I-Search, a Mangaluru-based ITeS company.
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