Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a significant coal-producing company in India, has recently inaugurated an internet-based platform named ‘VIHANGAM’. This platform is integrated with a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) at the company’s location.
About Mahanadi Coalfields Limited
As one of the eight subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, MCL holds a vital place in India’s coal production sector. The company prides itself on being the first to introduce environment-friendly Surface Mining technology back in 1999. Currently, it boasts the largest fleet of 66 Surface Miners, contributing to 95% of the company’s total coal production.
The VIHANGAM System Details
This newly integrated system includes a Ground Control Station (GCS), an RPAS, a 40 Mbps internet lease line, and the VIHANGAM portal. It provides the capability of real-time transmission of aerial videos of mining activities from mines to internet platforms. Access to these records through the VIHANGAM portal is restricted to authorized personnel only, who log in using a specific ID and password.
Details on Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)
The RPAS is one subset of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). There are two other subsets: Autonomous Aircraft and Model Aircraft. “Drone” is a term that laypeople often use to refer to Unmanned Aircraft (UA). Remotely piloted aircraft are categorized into five classes based on their weight as per existing rules, namely Nano, Micro, Small, Medium, and Large. A remotely piloted aircraft unit comprises of remote pilot station(s), necessary command and control links, and any other components specified in the type design.
Other Initiatives involving Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Apart from the integration at MCL, UAVs are also being used in various other sectors and initiatives. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced a Drone-Based vaccine delivery model entitled ‘Drone Response and Outreach in North East (i-Drone)’.
In Telangana, 16 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have been chosen for pilot testing an ambitious project named ‘Medicine from the sky’, marking it as the first of its kind.
In agriculture, the International Crops Research Institute (ICRISAT) secured permission to use drones for research activities. Several agriculture universities and educational institutions also got approval for utilizing drones.
Last Modified: February 14, 2024