NEW DELHI: Not only space technologies, Indian Space Research Organisation Isro ) is now developing systems to help states tackle societal menace. It has developed an application as part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation NaVIC ) that will help state authorities root out sand mafia and illegal mining.Talking to TOI, Isro chairman K Sivan said, “We have developed several NaVIC devices and applications that will be used for the betterment of society. These apps are being tested now. An Isro-developed NaVIC device will be fitted in transport vehicles, which are carrying sand and minerals legally. With the help of the device and app, authorities will be able to track vehicles carrying sand, coal and ores from mines. This will help state authorities root out sand mafia and illegal mining.” Isro undertook the project on the request of state authorities, which want to curb the menace of sand mafia and illegal mining. Sand mafia has of late become a serious threat for authorities as it is responsible for the murder of several government and forest officials.Sivan said, “A NaVIC app has also been developed for tracking state transport buses. NaVIC devices will be fitted in state transport buses that will help transport authorities track the movement of buses. Another NaVIC app developed is the ‘timing receiver’, which is meant for synchronisation of the national power grid. Another device ‘radiosonde’ has been developed that will help in measuring atmospheric properties.”The chairman said, “The receiver for navigation through mobile phones has already been developed. We are in the process of talking to the industry for the mass production of this receiver.” Once the mass production of mobiles with the Isro receiver begins, people will be able to access the Indian navigation system or desi GPS in their phones.”He said Isro has already developed the NaVIC alarm system for unmanned railway crossings and app for fishermen. While the alarm system is being tested by the railways on different trains under a pilot project, the coastal app has started helping fishermen in Tamil Nadu and Kerala get weather update and spot fishing zones. This app also helps them in navigation and prevent them from crossing international sea borders.