CISF Raids 14 Locations in Dhanbad, Seizes Illegal Coal Amid Drone Surveillance
This resulted in the seizure of approximately 200 kg of illegally stored coal and four iron pipes
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has intensified its crackdown on coal theft, illegal mining and unauthorised coal transportation in Dhanbad, carrying out raids and search operations at 14 sensitive locations under the Government of India’s Zero Coal Leakage initiative.
The special operation, conducted by the CISF unit deployed at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in coordination with the company’s management and the local administration, resulted in the seizure of approximately 200 kg of illegally stored coal and four iron pipes. An illegal mining opening in Area-4 was also filled to prevent further unauthorised extraction.
The latest drive underscores the intensified enforcement measures being undertaken to protect coal resources and curb illegal activities across the Dhanbad coalfields.
Drone Surveillance Across Sensitive Mining Zones
As part of the operation, CISF deployed drones to monitor mines, coal dumps, railway sidings and other vulnerable locations. Ground patrols and vehicle inspections were also conducted to detect suspicious movements and prevent illegal coal transportation.
In the Govindpur area, drone surveillance on October 19 covered the Hire Patch Mines, GRS Railway Siding, Tetulia, Babandiha forest, Aambagan and Maheshpur Mines, along with adjoining coal dump areas. The inspected locations were reported to be normal during the surveillance exercise.
Similar aerial monitoring was conducted in the Jealgora area, covering Susi Mines, Bagdigi Coal Dump, Modivitta Mines, Laxmi Mines and the BR-5 area. No abnormal situation was reported at the locations inspected.
Four Diesel-Filled Containers Recovered
In a separate incident, the CISF Quick Reaction Team (QRT-05) inspected the area near Selector Basti, close to Salanpur Departmental Mines in Govindpur, following information about a streetlight outage at around 1:50 am.
During the inspection, personnel recovered four containers filled with diesel. The containers were secured at the control room, with the diesel to be handed over to BCCL management in accordance with the prescribed procedure. CISF personnel were not deployed at the particular location.
53 Vehicles Checked to Curb Illegal Transportation
The operation also included a special vehicle-checking drive to prevent the unauthorised movement of coal. A total of 53 vehicles were checked, and document verification was undertaken through the M-Parivahan platform.
The combination of drone surveillance, surprise inspections, ground patrols and vehicle checks is intended to strengthen monitoring of vulnerable locations and transportation routes across BCCL’s operational areas.
CISF Reiterates Zero Tolerance Against Coal Theft
The CISF has reiterated that operations against illegal mining, coal theft, unauthorised transportation and other suspicious activities will continue through intensified patrolling, aerial surveillance and the deployment of Quick Reaction Teams.
The force has also appealed to the public to share information about coal theft, illegal mining and suspicious activities. Information can be sent by WhatsApp message to 9341528406, the number provided by CISF for reporting such incidents.
The latest action forms part of the broader effort to implement the government’s Zero Coal Leakage policy and strengthen the protection of national coal resources.
