BCCL Leads Coordinated Crackdown on Coal Theft, Illegal Mining Across Dhanbad – Indian PSU
In a major crackdown on illegal coal mining and theft, a joint operation by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), and the district administration led to the recovery of 15.06 tonnes of illegally extracted coal and the closure of two illegal mining outlets in BCCL command areas.
The coordinated action was carried out under the Government of India’s ‘Zero Coal Leakage Tolerance Policy’, which focuses on eliminating illegal mining, coal theft, unauthorised storage and transportation through intensified surveillance and strict enforcement.
According to BCCL, security agencies conducted raids and search operations at 17 locations across multiple operational areas during the day. The drive involved intensive patrolling, drone surveillance, intelligence-based operations, and coordinated action by CISF, BCCL management, and the district administration.
Major Operations Across BCCL Areas
In Area-09 (Bastakola), authorities recovered 15.06 tonnes of illegally mined coal from Kuiya Check Post, DBQ and the Kuiya Kali area. Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act). Meanwhile, two abandoned illegal mining outlets in Area-02 (Mahuda) and Area-04 (Katras) were filled and permanently sealed to prevent further illegal extraction.
Drone surveillance in Area-03 (Govindpur/Akashkinari) identified a suspected illegal coal depot near Rahul Chowk. Security personnel also foiled an attempted theft at the AKC Workshop and recovered a dozer roller. At the same time, BCCL continued its rescue operation at the Selector Basti landslide site, with no casualties reported.
In Area-04 (Katras), trench cutting was undertaken to strengthen security in land subsidence-prone zones. Surprise inspections were also conducted at Anna Mines and the BNR Railway Siding in Area-06B (Kustaur).
Coal transportation at the BNR Railway Siding resumed normal operations after an employment-related strike ended following negotiations. In Area-07 (Putki), officials identified a new illegal escape route used by coal thieves, and action is underway to permanently close it.
Security Strengthened Across Operational Areas
A successful mobilisation drill involving 24 CISF personnel was conducted at the New Madhuban Washery in BK-II (Baghmara) to enhance emergency preparedness.
In Area-09 (Bastakola), coal transportation disrupted by local disturbances near Bera Basti was quickly restored after CISF’s Quick Reaction Team (QRT) cleared the route based on inputs received from the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).
Drone surveillance in Area-10 (NTST) and Pathardih Washery (PCW) found all sensitive locations to be secure. However, authorities identified the need for additional boundary walls and fencing around an open scrap yard at DP-06.
Officials also promptly alerted the concerned authorities regarding land subsidence and a gas leak in the Godhar area. Despite local protests near the Kujama Check Post, the overall situation remained peaceful.
Zero Tolerance Against Coal Theft
BCCL said that area domination exercises, intensive patrolling, drone surveillance, special vehicle checking, deployment of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), and intelligence-driven joint operations are being conducted on a regular basis with CISF support.
The company reiterated that such operations will continue with full force to safeguard national assets, eliminate illegal mining, and effectively curb coal theft across its operational areas.
Public Requested to Report Illegal Mining
BCCL and CISF have appealed to the public to report any information related to illegal mining, coal theft, unauthorised transportation, or other suspicious coal-related activities.
Information can be shared confidentially via WhatsApp message with the CISF Unit, BCCL, Koyla Nagar, Dhanbad at 9341528406 to facilitate prompt and effective action.
