BCCL Recovers 32.31 Tonnes of Illegal Coal in Major Crackdown on Coal Theft – Indian PSU
harat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has intensified its drive against illegal mining, coal theft, illegal coal storage and unauthorised transportation, recovering 32.31 tonnes of illegally stored coal from Manjhi Basti in the Bastakola area and another 200 kg of illegal coal along with a motorcycle from the SNR Mines area in Kusunda.
The action was carried out on August 19, 2026, as part of BCCL’s ongoing efforts to implement the Government of India’s Zero Coal Leakage Tolerance Policy and protect the country’s coal resources.
The special enforcement campaign was conducted in coordination with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the local administration. Raids and intensive searches were undertaken at 21 locations across sensitive and identified hotspot areas.
32.31 tonnes of illegal coal recovered
During the operation, BCCL teams recovered 32.310 tonnes of illegally stored coal from Manjhi Basti in Bastakola. In a separate action in the SNR Mines area of Kusunda, another 200 kg of illegal coal and a motorcycle were recovered.
Necessary legal action under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) is underway in both cases.
The enforcement operation also resulted in the closure of one illegal mining mouth by filling it.
Drone surveillance detects illegal mining mouth
Drone surveillance and area domination operations were also conducted in sensitive and identified hotspot areas.
During the exercise, an open illegal mining mouth was detected near Machhiyara in the Mahuda area. Although no active illegal mining activity or illegal coal storage was found at the location during the inspection, action is underway to fill and close the illegal mouth.
BCCL has increasingly been using drone surveillance as part of its strategy to identify vulnerable locations and prevent illegal mining activities in its operational areas.
165 vehicles checked for illegal coal transportation
The special drive also focused on preventing illegal transportation and ensuring transparency in the movement of coal.
Special vehicle checks were conducted at major check posts, railway sidings, coal dumps and transportation routes across several BCCL areas.
A total of 165 vehicles were checked, covering areas including Barora, Govindpur, Katras, Sijua, Kusunda (Dhansar), PB Area, Bastakola, Lodna, East Jharia (Bhowra) and Block 2 (Baghmara).
Of these, 137 vehicles were verified through the M-Parivahan application. BCCL said no irregularities or documentary discrepancies were detected in the vehicles or their transportation documents during the checks.
CISF, QRTs and local administration deployed
BCCL said area domination, intensive patrolling, drone surveillance, deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs), special vehicle checking and intelligence-based joint operations are being conducted regularly to prevent illegal activities.
CISF company commanders, post commanders, QRT personnel and additional security forces are involved in surveillance and security operations in vulnerable areas.
The company management is also maintaining continuous coordination with CISF and the local administration to identify and close illegal mining mouths and take other necessary action.
BCCL steps up zero-tolerance approach
The latest operation reflects BCCL’s continuing focus on protecting coal resources and tightening security around mines, coal storage locations and transportation routes.
The company reiterated its commitment to the Zero Coal Leakage Tolerance Policy, stating that enforcement campaigns will continue with vigilance, transparency and compliance with applicable laws.
BCCL has also appealed to the public to provide information relating to coal theft, illegal mining, illegal transportation, illegal coal storage or other suspicious activities connected with the coal sector.
Information can be shared through WhatsApp with the CISF Unit, BCCL, Koyla Nagar, Dhanbad, at 9341528406 for quick, confidential and effective action.
Key Highlights
- 32.31 tonnes of illegal coal recovered from Manjhi Basti, Bastakola
- 200 kg of illegal coal recovered from SNR Mines, Kusunda
- One motorcycle recovered from the Kusunda operation
- 21 locations subjected to raids and intensive searches
- One illegal mining mouth closed by filling
- One open illegal mouth detected near Machhiyara, Mahuda
- 165 vehicles checked during the transportation crackdown
- 137 vehicles verified through the M-Parivahan application
- Legal action initiated under the MMDR Act
- BCCL, CISF and local administration jointly conducting enforcement operations
