Maharashtra scraps barcode system, to track sand mining with SMATS
By Kartik Lokhande Maharashtra Government has scrapped the barcode system that was launched to curb illegal mining and transportation of sand. Instead, the Government has decided to use mobile phone-based system -- Sand Mining Approval and Tracking System (SMATS). The erstwhile Congress-NCP Government in Maharashtra had started implementing a new Sand Mining/Disposal Policy vide Government Resolution dated March 12, 2013. The policy included an important provision of barcode system. Under the system, use of barcoded passes was made mandatory for transportation of sand. However, as barcoding also failed in curbing the illegal mining and transportation of sand, the Government has decided to come up with an advanced tracking system. Under SMATS, the Government has also revised guidelines relating to mining and transportation of sand, to bring uniformity. SMATS will be implemented from the current financial year 2014-15, of which only three months are remaining. SMATS ...