BCCL Intensifies Onslaught Against Illegal Mining, Coal Theft; Raids 12 Locations, Checks 100 Vehicles – Indian PSU
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has intensified its onslaught against illegal mining, coal theft, illegal coal storage and unauthorised transportation as part of its efforts to implement the Government of India’s Zero Coal Leakage Tolerance Policy and safeguard national assets.
BCCL management, in coordination with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local administration, is conducting sustained operations across sensitive areas of the company. The campaign involves intelligence-based raids and searches, drone surveillance, area domination exercises, deployment of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and Special Reaction Teams (SRTs), besides intensive checking of coal transportation routes and vehicles.
Raids conducted at 12 locations
As part of the latest campaign, raids and intensive searches were conducted at 12 locations up to August 15, 2026. At most of the locations, no illegal coal storage or active illegal mining activity was detected.
BCCL management is taking steps to close and fill identified illegal outlets and rat-holes to prevent their further use for unauthorised mining and coal extraction.
Drone surveillance in the Katras area detected illegal outlets and coal storage at a few locations. Necessary action is being taken in coordination with the concerned agencies to address the identified vulnerabilities.
In the Gopalichak No. 1 settlement of the PB area, a raid and search operation was conducted following information regarding illegal coal storage. However, no illegal coal storage was found during the operation.
Similarly, the QRT responded promptly to information about an attempted coal theft at the 37/38 incline in East Jharia area (Bhoora). The suspected persons fled from the spot after the QRT reached the location.
A joint raid and search operation by CISF and local police was also conducted at Luchhibad in the CV area (Basantimata) following information about suspected illegal mining. The operation did not find any active illegal outlets, illegal coal storage or suspicious activity.
Drone surveillance identifies rat-holes
Drone surveillance at DOCP identified rat-holes at several locations. Although no illegally mined coal was found, steps are being taken to fill the rat-holes and eliminate potential routes for illegal mining.
Meanwhile, a mobilisation drill and area domination exercise was conducted in the railway siding area of the Lodna (PCW) sector, involving 20 members of the security force.
100 coal-laden vehicles checked
BCCL has also intensified surveillance of coal transportation routes. A total of 100 coal-laden vehicles were checked at various locations under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) to verify transportation documents and other statutory requirements.
Of these, 77 vehicles were verified through the m-Parivahan application. No irregularities were detected in the vehicles or documents checked during the exercise.
Major checking points included the Ram Mandir transportation route, AMP Colliery, AKC & Block-IV check post, TCC check post, SBC/TMC area, GCP/NVC & Ena check post, NCD weighbridge, Rajapur check post, NTST check post, MCP check post and Block II area.
BCCL steps up coordinated security operations
BCCL said its anti-illegal activity campaign will continue through a combination of area domination, drone surveillance, QRT/SRT deployment, intelligence-based raids and searches, and special vehicle checking.
The company is working closely with the district administration and local police to respond quickly to information concerning illegal mining, coal theft, illegal coal storage and transportation.
The management is also taking corrective measures to fill identified illegal outlets and rat-holes and address other security vulnerabilities in mining and transportation areas.
BCCL has reiterated its commitment to protecting national assets and ensuring effective implementation of the Government of India’s Zero Coal Leakage Tolerance Policy. The company said such operations will continue on a regular, intensive and lawful basis in the future.
BCCL seeks public help and information on illegal coal activities
To facilitate quick action against illegal mining, coal theft, illegal coal storage, illegal transportation and other suspicious activities related to the coal sector, information can be shared only through WhatsApp messages on 9341528406, the designated number of the CISF Unit, BCCL, Coal Nagar, Dhanbad.
BCCL has urged people to use the channel to provide information so that prompt and effective action can be taken while maintaining the confidentiality of the information provided.
