By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, November 19, 2016 : In a bid to streamline the mining activities in the state, the Odisha government on Saturday made Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices in the trucks carrying minerals mandatory by December 28 this year.

“GPS tracking devices will be installed in the trucks used for mineral transportation. We will track the movements of trucks from the mineral source to the destination points. The GPS equipment would be installed by December 28,” said mines director Deepak Mohanty.

Trucks without tracking systems will be not get permission for mineral transportation, Mohanty added.

This was decided in the State Level Task Force meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here on Saturday.

The government also decided to put the mining and transportation of mineral activities under constant satellite surveillance.

Padhi directed the steel and mines department to develop Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) for regular satellite checking of mining activities at the ground level.

The collectors of the mineral bearing districts were asked to hold the District Task Force meetings regularly and intensify the enforcement activities.

Padhi also ordered a check on the pollution levels in the mining areas and installation of required equipment.