BCCL Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Mining, Coal Theft and Illegal Transportation – Indian PSU
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has intensified its multi-pronged drive against illegal mining, coal theft, illegal coal storage and unauthorised transportation of coal as part of the Government of India’s ‘Zero Coal Leakage Tolerance Policy’.
The BCCL management, in coordination with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), district administration and local police, is conducting intensive surveillance, raids, drone monitoring, area domination, special vehicle checking and intelligence-based operations across sensitive and identified locations of the company.
As part of the latest campaign conducted on August 18, 2026, raids and intensive searches were carried out at 19 locations. During inspections, no active illegal mining, illegal coal collection or other illegal activity was detected.
BCCL management has also initiated action to fill previously identified illegal excavation sites and open mine mouths as part of its preventive strategy.
Drone surveillance detects old illegal excavation sites
Drone surveillance carried out in the Govindpur and CV Area (Basantimata) detected signs of previous illegal excavation, open mouths and rat holes. However, no active illegal mining activity or illegal coal storage was found during the surveillance.
BCCL said action is underway to fill the identified sites and prevent their further misuse.
In another significant action in the Kusunda Area (Gonudih), a passage created for unauthorised entry into GKKC mines was demolished.
At MND (CPP Plant), alertness by the patrolling party helped foil an attempted theft involving around 8–10 suspicious persons. No material was stolen during the incident. Equipment left behind at the site was subsequently recovered and confiscated.
Security arrangements were also found to be normal during area domination exercises in the Golden Hill area of Lodna (NTST).
117 coal-laden vehicles checked
BCCL has simultaneously stepped up scrutiny of coal transportation to ensure transparency and compliance with transportation regulations.
A special vehicle-checking drive was conducted at major check posts, railway sidings, coal dumps and coal transportation routes.
During the operation, 117 coal-laden vehicles were checked, of which 95 vehicles were verified through the M-Parivahan application.
The area-wise vehicle checks were:
- Barora: 11 vehicles
- Govindpur: 12 vehicles
- Katras: 20 vehicles
- Sijua: 13 vehicles
- Kusunda: 23 vehicles
- Bastacolla: 14 vehicles
- East Jharia: 10 vehicles
- Block-2: 12 vehicles
- MNDP: 2 vehicles
BCCL said no irregularities were detected in any of the vehicles, transportation documents or transportation details checked during the exercise.
Intelligence-led enforcement strengthened
The latest operation is part of BCCL’s continuing strategy to prevent coal-related illegal activities through a combination of technology, surveillance and coordinated enforcement.
The company is regularly deploying drone surveillance, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), intensive patrolling, area domination, intelligence-based operations and special vehicle-checking drives in vulnerable mining and transportation zones.
BCCL is also maintaining continuous coordination with CISF, the district administration and local police to take timely action at identified illegal outlets and other sensitive locations.
The approach is aimed not only at detecting illegal activity but also at preventing the reopening of previously identified illegal excavation sites and unauthorised access points.
Focus on protecting national coal assets
BCCL has reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s coal resources and ensuring effective implementation of the Government of India’s Zero Coal Leakage Tolerance Policy.
The company said such enforcement campaigns will continue with a focus on vigilance, transparency and compliance with the law, including applicable provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act).
The intensified enforcement comes at a time when the Government of India has placed greater emphasis on preventing coal leakage, illegal mining and unauthorised movement of coal, with technology-enabled surveillance and stronger coordination among coal companies, security agencies and local administrations becoming increasingly important.
BCCL appeals for information on illegal coal activities
BCCL has also urged members of the public and stakeholders to share information concerning coal theft, illegal mining, illegal coal storage, illegal transportation or any suspicious activity related to the coal sector.
According to BCCL, such information should be sent only through WhatsApp message to CISF Unit, BCCL, Coal Nagar, Dhanbad, at 9341528406.
The company said information received through the channel would enable quick, confidential and effective action.
With raids, drone surveillance, vehicle verification and intelligence-led operations being conducted simultaneously across its operational areas, BCCL’s latest drive signals a more technology-driven and coordinated approach to tackling illegal coal activity and protecting national assets.
