LUCKNOW, April 4 -- In a bid to boost revenue collection, the Uttar Pradesh geology and mining department is tightening checks on illegal mining and transportation of minerals, and curbing overloading of transport vehicles. Secretary (geology and mining) Mala Srivastava said the department has set a revenue target of Rs.7,150 crore for the financial year 2026-27. To check illegal mining and transportation, the department is using technology, including monitoring mineral movement through IoT (Internet of Things)-enabled RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) checkgates. She said that with the help of tracking system, live monitoring of mineral transportation is being conducted through location tracking devices installed in more than 40,000 vehicles. It has enabled prompt action in cases of irregularities. She added that the new mining areas are being identified and operational areas are being continuously monitored using satellite imagery through the photo geology and remote sensing (PGRS) laboratory, that has effectively controlled illegal mining activities. The officers have been directed to strengthen enforcement, conduct regular raids, review revenue collection and strengthen transparency and accountability through e-governance. With the effective use of modern technologies, strict monitoring and coordinated efforts by the department, not only has illegal activities been controlled, but a record increase in revenue collection has also been recorded, Srivastava said. The geology and mining department has collected Rs.780 crore revenue against the target of Rs.600 crore set in March, she added....