Illegal Coal Network Hit As CISF Recovers 428 Metric Tonnes In Two States

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has recovered more than 428 metric tonnes of illegally mined, stored and transported coal during coordinated operations carried out across Jharkhand and West Bengal. The crackdown, conducted between July 4 and July 8, was part of the government's "Zero Coal Leakage" initiative aimed at preventing illegal mining, theft and unauthorised transportation of coal. According to officials, the operations were carried out in coalfields operated by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).

The CISF conducted intelligence-based raids in coordination with Coal India subsidiaries, district administrations and local police forces to identify locations involved in illegal coal activities. The enforcement action resulted in the recovery of 428.34 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal, registration of four FIRs and seizure of vehicles and equipment allegedly used in illegal mining and transportation. Authorities seized a Hyva truck, more than 13 motorcycles and other machinery linked to the illegal movement of coal. Several individuals were also detained, with legal proceedings initiated under provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

The operations followed the empowerment of designated CISF officers under Sections 22, 23B and 24 of the MMDR Act, allowing the force to directly act against illegal mining, unauthorised storage, theft and transportation of minerals. Officials said the new authority has strengthened enforcement capabilities in coal-producing regions. In Jharkhand's Dhanbad coalfields under BCCL, CISF teams conducted raids at several vulnerable locations, including Katras, Sijua, Kustore, Jealgora and Govindpur. These operations led to the recovery of 319.54 metric tonnes of illegally stored coal. Based on intelligence inputs supported by drone surveillance, teams also intercepted a coal-loaded truck and seized multiple motorcycles suspected to have been used in illegal activities.

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In areas operated by ECL, including Rajmahal, Salanpur, Chitra and Sonepur-Bazari, CISF personnel recovered 85.93 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal. The force inspected coal depots, weighbridges and transportation records as part of the operation. Officials said the inspections also confirmed that several authorised mining and transportation facilities were operating in compliance with regulations. The CISF also carried out operations in CCL areas, including Piparwar and Kargali. At Piparwar, personnel intercepted a Hyva truck allegedly carrying concealed illegal coal and recovered 13.62 metric tonnes of the mineral. At CCL Kargali, teams seized another 9.25 metric tonnes of illegally extracted coal along with seven motorcycles allegedly linked to illegal mining operations.

Officials said the operations relied on multiple surveillance methods, including human intelligence networks, drone monitoring, transit-route tracking, surprise inspections, verification of transport documents and GPS-based documentation. These measures were used to identify illegal supply chains and prevent unauthorised movement of coal. The CISF said it would continue coordinating with the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, its subsidiaries, state governments and police authorities to strengthen action against illegal coal mining and theft. The force reiterated that strict enforcement under the MMDR Act would continue to ensure better monitoring of coal resources and prevent revenue losses caused by illegal activities.

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