The CISF targeted several vulnerable mining belts and coal transportation corridors in its enforcement drive which was aided by use of technology like drones. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Drawing powers from the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) launched a four-day crackdown and recovered 428.34 metric tonnes of illegally mined, stored or transported coal in Jharkhand and West Bengal.

The CISF officers’ operational authority has expanded under Sections 22, 23B and 24 of the MMDR Act, empowering the force to launch intelligence-driven operations in coordination with Coal India subsidiaries, local police and district administration for safeguarding national mineral resources and strengthen transparency in the coal sector. It is also aimed at intensifying the Centre’s “zero coal leakage” initiative.

coordinated operations

From July 4 to July 8, the CISF said it carried out coordinated operations across the coalfields of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) and Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) in Jharkhand and West Bengal.

“The operations resulted in the recovery of 428.34 metric tonnes of illegally mined, stored or transported coal, registration of four FIRs, seizure of one Hyva truck and more than 13 motorcycles and other equipment used in illegal mining and transportation, besides apprehension of offenders and initiation of legal proceedings under the MMDR Act,” said the CISF in a statement.

The CISF targeted several vulnerable mining belts and coal transportation corridors in its enforcement drive which was aided by use of technology like drones.

At BCCL, Dhanbad, the CISF carried out intelligence-based raids in Katras, Block-II, Basantimata (Kargil), Kustore, Sijua, Jealgora, Barora, Govindpur and NTST areas. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, drone surveillance and field verification, the CISF recovered 319.54 metric tonnes of illegally stored coal, seized a coal-laden truck and multiple motorcycles used for illegal transportation, and initiated legal action under the MMDR Act, the CAPF stated.

At ECL Sheetalpur, the force said, operations were conducted in Rajmahal, Salanpur, Chitra, Chapapur-II OCP (Mugma Area), Sonepur-Bazari and Kunustoria areas.

The CISF also undertook inspections of coal depots, weighbridges, transportation documents and statutory production and dispatch records. These actions resulted in the recovery of 85.93 metric tonnes of illegally mined and stocked coal, seizure of vehicles used in illegal transportation and apprehension of trespassers. Preventive inspections also confirmed compliance at several operational locations, reinforcing transparency and accountability in coal movement.

IT also covered CCL Piparwar, and CCL Kargali, unravelling 13.62 metric tonnes of illegally transported coal and 9.25 metric tonnes of illegally extracted coal. The operation lead to seizure of Hyva truck, motorcycles.

“The ongoing enforcement drive will continue with renewed vigour, and stringent legal action will be taken against all persons involved in illegal mining, unauthorised storage and illegal transportation of coal in accordance with the provisions of law,” added the CISF.

Published on July 10, 2026