Mining Surveillance System - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following is/are true regarding Mining Surveillance System (MSS)?

1) The current system of monitoring of illegal mining activity is based on images clicked by IRS satellites.
2) Khasra maps of mining leases are superimposed on the latest satellite remote sensing scenes obtained from CARTOSAT and USGS.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:

  • Khasra maps of mining leases have been geo-referenced in MSS, which are superimposed on the latest satellite remote sensing scenes obtained from CARTOSAT and USGS.
  • Been developed under the Digital India Programme, MSS is one of the first such surveillance systems developed in the world using space technology.
  • The current system of monitoring of illegal mining activity is based on local complaints and unconfirmed information. There is no robust mechanism to monitor the action taken on such complaints.
  • A user-friendly mobile app has been created which can be used by these officials to submit compliance reports of their inspections. The mobile app also aims to establish a participative monitoring system where the citizens also can use this app and report unusual mining activity.


2)   Which of the following is/are true?

1) Mining Surveillance System (MSS) technology is not intended for planned development of mining.
2) It uses remote sensing technology.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:

  • Mining Surveillance System (MSS) technology will help design planned development of mining as also provide complete data of labourers working in the sector online, which will lead to better safety standards.
  • MSS is a satellite-based monitoring system, which aims to check illegal mining activity through automatic remote-sensing detection technology.
  • A check for illegality in operation is conducted and reported back using a mobile app.
  • The process is underway to launch a similar system for minor minerals in coalition with the State Governments.
  • The states of Haryana, Telangana and Chattisgarh have been selected for a pilot launch.
  • The MSS has been hosted on the National Centre of Geo-Informatics portal


3)   Mining Surveillance System (MSS) has been developed by

1) Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics
2) ISRO
3) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY)


a. 2, 3
b. 1, 2
c. 1, 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 3

Explanation:

  • The Indian Bureau of Mines, on behalf of the mines ministry, has developed Mining Surveillance System (MSS), in co-ordination with the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG), Gandhinagar, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY).
  • It is a pan-India surveillance network using latest satellite technology, to check illegal mining.