Illegal coal mining: Amit Shah tells CISF to enforce zero coal leakage plan in Dhanbad

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked the CISF to apply a "Zero Coal Leakage Plan\" in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad belt. The aim is to stop illegal coal mining and theft. Shah called for Quick Response Teams and layered security in high-risk zones. Shah also sought fast action whenever officials receive credible information about illegal mining.

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The directions came during a review meeting on illegal coal mining and coal theft. Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy joined the discussion. Shah raised concern about worsening illegal activity in Dhanbad and nearby areas. Shah said tougher and better coordinated action is still needed to curb the problem.

Zero Coal Leakage Plan and CISF action in Dhanbad

Officials told Shah that CISF and Coal India Limited staff now have authority under the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957. This power allows court cases and entry into suspected storage locations. Officials can also carry out search and seizure. They can seize illegal minerals, and the tools, equipment, and vehicles involved.

Shah welcomed the added legal powers for CISF and Coal India officials. Shah also said these powers must be used firmly and together. The approach must follow the approved Standard Operating Procedure. Shah’s directions included a time-bound response to illegal mining. The plan also covers unauthorised coal transport across vulnerable routes.

Zero Coal Leakage Plan and GST checks for coal transport

Shah said consumers should receive only legally mined coal. Shah also aimed to discourage movement of illegally sourced coal. Officials considered GST involvement necessary for tighter checks. Shah said a system should verify e-way bills for every coal consignment. This step is meant to flag suspicious transport and improve traceability.

Shah instructed the coal ministry to review action taken at regular intervals. Shah also told Home Ministry officials to place the coal sector on the CISF priority list. This would enable quick deployment to vulnerable areas. CISF was asked to build multi-layer security. The force was also told to create Quick Response Teams for swift intervention.

Zero Coal Leakage Plan and inter-agency coordination steps

Coal ministry officials said several concrete measures were taken after a review in the first week of October 2025. They also said a later meeting took place in December 2025. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired that meeting. Officials said decisions included forming a Coal Sector Coordination Committee, which has since been constituted.

The meeting included the Union coal secretary and senior officials from the Ministry of Coal. Senior officers from CISF, Coal India Limited and BCCL were also present. Shah’s review focused on enforcing legal powers and improving field response. Officials discussed steps to counter illegal mining and theft. The government statement described the plan as comprehensive and time-bound.

Zero Coal Leakage Plan and technology use against illegal mining

Shah asked officials to use technology more effectively to curb illegal mining. Shah directed use of high-resolution cameras at Integrated Command and Control Centres. The cameras should help identify locations linked to illegal mining. The footage should also assist in spotting people involved. The focus remained on faster detection and prompt action in vulnerable areas.

With inputs from PTI