The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) are stepping up coordinated efforts to plug coal leakage, curb illegal mining and tighten action against coal theft, with senior officials reviewing the security situation across BCCL’s mining areas.
A detailed meeting between CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan and BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal was held at Koyla Bhawan, Dhanbad, on September 17, focusing on effective implementation of the Government of India’s Zero-Coal-Leakage Policy and protection of coal as a national asset.
The meeting reviewed security arrangements at BCCL’s mining operations and the measures being taken to prevent illegal mining and theft. The two sides also discussed ways to sustain and strengthen the progress made towards zero coal leakage.
The focus extended beyond physical security to legal enforcement and prosecution. Officials discussed regular monitoring of cases, expediting investigation and seizure proceedings, and ensuring stronger prosecution in cases relating to coal theft and illegal mining.
The status of cases registered and filed for prosecution under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act was also reviewed. Timely action on pending cases and appropriate legal measures were emphasised.
The meeting discussed engaging experienced lawyers for effective prosecution, monitoring cases through a dedicated legal officer, and ensuring systematic maintenance of case-related documents.
A significant proposal discussed was the possibility of granting CISF Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors powers under the MMDR Act, except under Section 23B. The meeting also considered the proposal to notify the CBI Court, Dhanbad, as the designated court for MMDR cases.
The deliberations underlined the need for closer coordination between BCCL, CISF and state agencies, backed by regular monitoring and timely action. The objective is to strengthen the security architecture around BCCL’s mining operations while ensuring that cases involving illegal mining and coal theft move swiftly through investigation and prosecution.
The meeting was attended by ADG (North) Binita Thakur; IG CISF (Eastern Sector) Prabodh Chandra; IG CISF (North-Eastern Sector) S.K. Mohanka; Director (Finance/HR), BCCL Rajesh Kumar; Director (Technical/Planning & Projects), BCCL Rajiv Kumar Sinha; Executive Director (Production), CIL Anand; DIG CISF, BCCL Unit Rajiv Mishra; Security Advisor Vipul Shukla, and other senior officers of BCCL and CISF.
