In a major crackdown on illegal coal mining and transportation, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has recovered more than 428 metric tonnes of illegally mined, stored, and transported coal during coordinated operations across Jharkhand and West Bengal, reinforcing the Government of India's "Zero Coal Leakage" initiative. The action follows the empowerment of designated CISF officers under Sections 22, 23B and 24 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, enabling the force to take direct action against illegal mining, theft, unauthorised storage and transportation of coal.
Between July 4 and July 8, CISF carried out intelligence-led operations in the coalfields of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) in coordination with Coal India subsidiaries, district administrations and local police.
The drive resulted in the recovery of 428.34 metric tonnes of illegal coal, registration of four FIRs, seizure of a Hyva truck, over 13 motorcycles and other equipment allegedly used in illegal mining and transportation. Several offenders were apprehended, and legal proceedings were initiated under the MMDR Act.
At BCCL in Dhanbad, CISF teams conducted raids at multiple vulnerable locations, including Katras, Sijua, Kustore, Jealgora and Govindpur, recovering 319.54 metric tonnes of illegally stored coal. The force also seized a coal-laden truck and several motorcycles based on intelligence inputs supported by drone surveillance.
In ECL's operational areas, including Rajmahal, Salanpur, Chitra and Sonepur-Bazari, CISF recovered 85.93 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal after inspecting coal depots, weighbridges and transportation records. Officials said the inspections also confirmed compliance at several authorised operational sites.
At CCL Piparwar, personnel intercepted a Hyva truck carrying concealed illegal coal and recovered 13.62 metric tonnes of the mineral, while at CCL Kargali, another 9.25 metric tonnes of illegally extracted coal and seven motorcycles allegedly used in illegal mining were seized. The operations relied on a combination of human intelligence, drone surveillance, transit-route monitoring, surprise inspections, verification of transport documents, and GPS-enabled documentation.
CISF said it would continue working closely with the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, its subsidiaries, state governments and police authorities to eliminate illegal mining and ensure strict enforcement against coal theft and unauthorised transportation under the provisions of the MMDR Act.
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