BCCL Conducts Workshop on MMDR Act to Strengthen Legal Enforcement Against Illegal Mining

Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) organised a one-day workshop-cum-training programme at Community Hall, Koyla Nagar, aimed at strengthening the implementation of provisions under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

The programme brought together BCCL officers and personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), focusing on the effective use of powers conferred through recent notifications under the Act to curb illegal mining and coal theft.

Leadership Participation

The workshop was graced by BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal as Chief Guest. Senior officials including Director (HR) Murali Krishna Ramaiah, Director (Technical) Sanjay Kumar Singh, Senior Security Advisor Vipul Shukla, and DIG CISF Jitendra Tiwari were present, along with General Managers, Heads of Departments, Regional GMs, and CISF personnel in large numbers.

Expert-Led Technical Sessions

The workshop featured detailed technical sessions conducted by legal experts:

• Anoop Kumar Mehta, Senior Advocate of the Jharkhand High Court, delivered a comprehensive session on strengthening measures to control illegal mining under Sections 22, 23B, and 24 of the MMDR Act. He elaborated on legal provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and practical strategies to curb coal theft.
• Shahnawaz Hussain, Senior Advocate at the District and Sessions Court, Dhanbad, spoke on the implementation of powers conferred under the Act. He highlighted the legal scope, procedural aspects, and practical challenges, emphasizing accountability and inter-agency coordination.

Focus on Enforcement & Coordination

Delivering the welcome address, Director (Technical/Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh underscored the importance of the programme in enhancing awareness and preparedness among officers.

In his keynote address, CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal stressed that effective implementation of the MMDR Act is crucial for tackling illegal mining and ensuring mine safety. He highlighted that such training initiatives equip officers and security personnel with a deeper understanding of legal provisions, enabling more efficient enforcement.

He called for enhanced coordination between BCCL and CISF, improved vigilance, and prompt action to safeguard organisational assets. He emphasized that administrative efficiency, backed by strong legal understanding, is key to controlling illegal activities.

Interactive Closing Session

The programme concluded with an engaging interactive session where participants raised queries related to the Act and received clarifications from experts. The closing address was delivered by Senior Security Advisor Vipul Shukla. The session was moderated by Dr. Kumar Sharat Sinha, Head of Department (Law).