Illegal mining: HM Amit Shah reviews security, favours 'Zero Coal Leakage Plan'
New Delhi, July 5
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday expressed concern over the worsening situation of illegal coal mining and theft in Dhanbad and nearby areas and suggested CISF deployment on priority as part of a larger "Zero Coal Leakage Plan", an official said.
During a review meeting also attended by Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, HM Shah directed officials to include the coal sector in the priority list for CISF deployment, so that personnel can be deployed immediately in vulnerable areas, the official said in a statement.
He directed the CISF to form Quick Response Teams and establish a multi-layered security arrangement in vulnerable areas, enabling prompt action against illegal miners to take immediate action whenever information is received.
The Home Minister issued several important directions, including the adoption of "Zero Coal Leakage Plan" to ensure a comprehensive and time-bound response to illegal mining and the unauthorised transportation of coal.
Home Minister Amit Shah also stressed the need to use technology more effectively. He directed that high-resolution cameras installed at Integrated Command and Control Centres should be used to identify areas and persons involved in illegal mining activities.
The Home Minister said that the Union Government remains committed to taking all necessary measures to protect public resources, maintain law and order, and safeguard the interests of legitimate coal mining operations.
Officials from the Ministry of Coal informed the Home Minister that several concrete steps had been taken since the review held in the first week of October 2025. It was also informed that officials of CISF and Coal India Limited had been authorised to take action under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
This authorisation legally enables them to file cases in court, enter premises where illegal coal is suspected to be stored, conduct search and seizure operations, and seize illegally extracted minerals along with the tools, equipment, and vehicles used in such unauthorised activities.
Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that much more needs to be done to curb the menace of illegal mining. He noted that although powers had been entrusted to CISF and Coal India Limited officials under the MMDR Act, these powers must be exercised rigorously and in a coordinated manner, in line with the approved Standard Operating Procedure.
He also instructed the Ministry of Coal to review the action taken on a regular basis. To ensure that consumers use only legally mined coal and to deter the transportation of illegal coal, it was considered necessary to involve GST authorities. A mechanism should, therefore, be put in place to verify e-way bills for all coal being transported.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see HM taking personal interest. However, I wish the same urgency was shown towards illegal sand mining in rivers across states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. But yes, coal theft is a huge issue - those mafia networks run deep. Hope the Quick Response Teams make a difference.
CISF deployment is a good move but why only review meetings? We need action against the politicians and businessmen who patronize these illegal operations. In Jharkhand, everyone knows who the big fish are. Arrest them and see how quickly illegal mining stops. 🎯
The e-way bill verification with GST authorities is a smart step - that will make transportation traceable. But what about the local villagers who depend on illegal mining for their livelihood? Need to provide alternative employment before cracking down, otherwise people will suffer. Just a thought.
High-res cameras and Integrated Command Centers - sounds good on paper. But in Dhanbad, the terrain is tricky and the mafia is well-connected. Need round-the-clock vigilance, not just fancy equipment. Also, why was the October 2025 review mentioned? Is this a recent meeting? Timeline seems confusing.
Great initiative by HM Shah ji! Coal is a national resource and its theft hurts our economy. The MMDR Act powers given to CISF and Coal India will make a real difference. My only concern is corruption within the system - who will watch the watchers? Need strict accountability mechanisms.
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