CISF Recovers Over 428 MT of Stolen Coal in Major Crackdown Across Jharkhand and West Bengal – Indian PSU
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has intensified its crackdown on illegal coal mining, recovering more than 428 metric tonnes of illegally extracted coal during a five-day enforcement operation across coalfields in Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The large-scale operation was conducted under the Government of India’s “Zero Coal Leakage” initiative, aimed at curbing illegal mining, preventing pilferage and safeguarding the country’s valuable mineral resources.
The coordinated drive involved close collaboration between the CISF, Coal India Limited subsidiaries, local police and district administrations. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, CISF personnel carried out multiple raids targeting illegal mining sites and coal transportation networks.
As part of the operation, the force employed advanced surveillance and monitoring techniques, including drone surveillance, transit-route monitoring, surprise inspections, verification of transportation documents, inspections of coal depots and weighbridges, and GPS-enabled documentation to ensure accountability and transparency throughout the enforcement process.
In addition to recovering over 428 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal, the CISF also seized vehicles and equipment allegedly used in unlawful mining and transportation activities. The recovered coal and seized assets have been handed over to the concerned authorities for further legal proceedings.
The operation highlights the government’s sustained efforts to eliminate coal pilferage and improve governance in the mining sector. Illegal mining not only results in substantial revenue losses but also poses serious environmental, safety and law-and-order challenges.
The CISF reiterated its commitment to protecting national assets and ensuring the integrity of India’s coal supply chain. The force said it will continue to work closely with Coal India companies and state authorities to strengthen surveillance, prevent illegal mining and enhance transparency across coal-producing regions.
The successful enforcement drive underscores the increasing use of technology-driven surveillance and inter-agency coordination in securing India’s critical energy infrastructure and preserving national mineral wealth.
