CISF to Take Over Security of Two Major CCL Mines in Jharkhand

The Centre’s crackdown on illegal coal mining, theft and smuggling in Jharkhand is now moving to the next level, with the CISF set to take over security of two major mines of Coal India subsidiary Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).

The move comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi with Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Coal India Chairman B. Sairam and BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal and directed strict action against coal theft, illegal mining and smuggling from Jharkhand.

At the meeting, the Centre decided to push ahead with the Zero Coal Leakage Plan, with stronger CISF deployment in vulnerable coal areas, tighter enforcement and extensive use of technology to track illegal mining and unauthorised transportation. The government subsequently placed the coal sector on the priority list for CISF deployment and directed the force to create Quick Response Teams and multi-layered security arrangements.

The first major ground-level implementation of the intensified security strategy is now scheduled at Amrapali, where CISF will take charge from September 18.

Around 200 CISF personnel will initially be deployed at Amrapali, with the strength expected to be increased subsequently. A DIG-level supervisory arrangement is also being put in place for the project.

Amrapali, Magadh emerge as key focus areas

Amrapali and Magadh are two major mines operated by CCL, and the two projects have been under heightened focus in the Centre’s campaign against coal theft and illegal mining.

Amrapali, located in the North Karanpura coalfield, reportedly produces around 70,000 tonnes of coal a day.

The deployment of CISF is intended to strengthen physical security at the mine while plugging possible leakages in coal extraction, storage and transportation.

Zero Coal Leakage Plan goes beyond security deployment

The Centre’s strategy is not confined to putting CISF personnel at mine gates and vulnerable locations.

The Zero Coal Leakage Plan envisages a combination of central security, statutory enforcement powers and technology-driven surveillance. Drone surveillance, GPS tracking, weighbridge monitoring, high-resolution cameras and Integrated Command and Control Centres are being brought into the enforcement framework.

Amit Shah had specifically directed that high-resolution cameras installed at Integrated Command and Control Centres be used to identify locations and persons involved in illegal mining activities. He also directed that the movement of coal be monitored through verification of GST e-way bills.

CISF and designated Coal India officials have also been empowered under provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, enabling them to enter premises suspected of illegal coal storage, conduct searches and seizures and initiate legal proceedings.

CISF action already intensifying across coalfields

The impact of the new strategy has already been visible across the coalfields.

In July, CISF conducted coordinated operations across BCCL, ECL and CCL areas in Jharkhand and West Bengal, recovering 428.34 tonnes of illegally mined, stored or transported coal and seizing vehicles and equipment used in illegal mining and transportation.

A subsequent three-week enforcement drive resulted in the seizure of 1,798.725 tonnes of illegal coal valued at approximately ₹1.08 crore, along with 84 vehicles and 21 direct complaint cases. The operation covered coalfields under CISF security, including CCL areas.

Amrapali deployment marks next phase of crackdown

With CISF scheduled to take over Amrapali security from September 18, the Centre’s Zero Coal Leakage campaign is entering a new phase in Jharkhand.

The focus is now on combining CISF manpower, intelligence-led operations, technology-enabled surveillance and tighter monitoring of coal transportation to prevent illegal extraction and plug leakages from the coal supply chain.

The scheduled deployment at Amrapali is therefore being seen as a direct on-ground follow-up to the tough anti-coal theft push initiated at the highest level of the government.