NewzVille Desk
In a major crackdown on illegal coal mining, theft and transportation, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has seized almost 1,800 metric tonnes (MT) of illegally mined, stored or transported coal worth approximately ₹1.08 crore during intensive operations conducted across coalfields over the last three weeks.
During the drive, CISF also seized 84 vehicles, including heavy-duty Hyva trucks and modified motorcycles used for illegal transportation of coal, and filed 21 direct complaint cases against persons involved in illegal mining and coal smuggling.
The intensified action follows a high-level review chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed focused and time-bound measures towards achieving “Zero Coal Leakage” and curbing illegal extraction, pilferage and organized theft of the country’s coal resources.
Among the major recoveries during the campaign, CISF seized 1,063.91 MT of coal from BCCL, Dhanbad; 450.13 MT from ECL, Sheetalpur; and 284.715 MT from CCL, Ranchi & CMP(H).
A significant force multiplier in the ongoing campaign is the enhanced statutory authority available to designated CISF officers under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
Powers vested under Sections 22, 23B and 24 enable authorized officers to directly file written complaints before competent courts, conduct searches and enter premises suspected of storing illegally mined minerals, thereby strengthening the enforcement chain against organized coal theft.
The latest operations combine human intelligence, CCTV surveillance, real-time monitoring of coal movement and coordinated field action to identify vulnerable locations and disrupt illegal mining and transportation networks.
Apart from heavy vehicles, modified motorcycles are also being used to move smaller quantities of illegally mined coal through unauthorized and difficult-to-monitor routes. Seized vehicles have been handed over to the local police wherever required for further legal action.
In a statement Director General of CISF said “CISF will continue intelligence-led operations, technology-enabled surveillance and enforcement of its statutory powers in coordination with coal companies, local administration and other stakeholder agencies to advance the objective of ‘Zero Coal Leakage’.”
