HM Amit Shah Orders ‘Zero Coal Leakage Plan’ to Crack Down on Illegal Coal Mining and Theft – Indian PSU

In a major push to curb illegal coal mining and coal theft across the country, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has directed the implementation of a comprehensive ‘Zero Coal Leakage Plan’, calling for coordinated, technology-driven and time-bound action to eliminate illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of coal.

The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired jointly by Amit Shah and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Coal Secretary, senior officials of the Ministry of Coal, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Coal India Limited (CIL), and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).

The review focused particularly on the deteriorating situation of illegal coal mining and coal theft in Dhanbad and adjoining coal-bearing regions, which continue to pose serious challenges to public safety, revenue protection and legitimate mining operations.

Review of Measures Taken

Officials from the Ministry of Coal informed the meeting that several important initiatives have already been implemented following the review conducted in the first week of October 2025.

One of the key reforms includes empowering officials of CISF and Coal India Limited under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). The authorized officers can now initiate legal proceedings before courts, conduct searches at suspected locations, seize illegally extracted minerals, and confiscate equipment and vehicles used in unlawful mining and transportation activities.

The meeting was also informed that, in line with decisions taken during a review chaired by the Union Home Secretary in December 2025, a Coal Area Coordination Committee has been constituted to improve coordination among various enforcement agencies.

Zero Coal Leakage Plan to be Implemented

While appreciating the measures already undertaken by the Ministry of Coal and CISF, Amit Shah stressed that more effective action is required to completely eliminate illegal mining.

He directed the implementation of the Zero Coal Leakage Plan, aimed at ensuring comprehensive and time-bound enforcement against illegal mining and unauthorized movement of coal.

The Home Minister also instructed that the powers granted under the MMDR Act should be exercised strictly in accordance with the approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring stronger coordination among all concerned agencies.

Mandatory E-Way Bill Verification

In another significant directive, Amit Shah asked the Ministry of Coal to regularly review enforcement measures and ensure that industries and consumers procure only legally mined coal.

To strengthen checks on illegal transportation, he emphasized the involvement of GST authorities in enforcement operations and directed that mandatory verification of e-way bills be carried out for every coal consignment in transit.

The move is expected to tighten compliance and curb the movement of illegally mined coal through fraudulent documentation.

Enhanced CISF Deployment in Coalfields

Recognizing the growing security challenges in coal-bearing areas, the Home Minister instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to accord priority to coalfields while deploying CISF personnel.

He also directed CISF to establish dedicated Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and implement a multi-layered security framework in vulnerable mining regions. The objective is to enable immediate action whenever intelligence regarding illegal mining activities is received.

Technology to Play a Bigger Role

Highlighting the importance of technology-driven enforcement, Amit Shah directed authorities to make extensive use of surveillance infrastructure, particularly high-resolution cameras installed at Integrated Command and Control Centres.

These systems will be used to identify illegal mining locations, monitor suspicious activities and facilitate prompt enforcement action.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment, the Home Minister said that every necessary step would be taken to safeguard national resources, maintain law and order, and protect the interests of legitimate coal mining operations.

The latest directives are expected to significantly strengthen the enforcement framework against illegal coal mining while improving coordination among central agencies, state authorities, security forces and regulatory bodies, reinforcing the Government’s resolve to eliminate coal pilferage and ensure transparency across India’s coal sector.