BCCL Launches Major Crackdown on Coal Mafia; Illegal Mining, Theft and Transport Under Scanner

Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), in close coordination with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the local administration, has intensified its campaign against illegal coal mining, coal theft and unauthorized transportation under the Government of India’s ‘Zero Coal Leakage Tolerance Policy’.

The multi-pronged enforcement drive, conducted on August 10, 2026, comprised intelligence-based raids, intensive searches, drone surveillance, area domination exercises, special vehicle checking drives, Quick Response Team (QRT) deployments and coordinated enforcement operations across various mining areas of the company. All operations were completed peacefully and in accordance with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).

24.5 Tonnes of Illegal Coal Seized

One of the major successes of the campaign came in Area-09 (Bastakola), where a special raid near Bhuiya Basti resulted in the recovery of approximately 24.50 tonnes of illegally stored coal. The coal has been seized by BCCL management, and legal proceedings have been initiated under the MMDR Act.

In Area-04 (Katras), security personnel successfully filled one illegal mining mouth, effectively preventing further illegal extraction activities.

Overall, enforcement teams conducted raids and intensive searches at 17 locations across different BCCL operational areas as part of the company’s sustained efforts to eliminate illegal mining and protect national resources.

Intensive Monitoring Across Mining Areas

As part of the coordinated operation, CISF carried out drone surveillance, intelligence-based monitoring and area domination exercises in several mining areas.

In Area-03 (Govindpur), officials inspected an illegal mining mouth and escape route located near Salanpur Mines.

In Area-04 (Katras), apart from sealing one illegal mining mouth, a Quick Response Team verified intelligence inputs regarding illegal mining and coal storage in the Keshalpur area.

In Area-05 (Sijua), nearly 20 sacks of powdered coal recovered from behind the Bansjora Siding were destroyed as per prescribed procedures.

A mobilisation drill and area domination exercise were also conducted at the NOCP Workshop, coal dump and Coal Handling Plant (CHP) in Area-05A (Nishchitpur), where the situation remained normal.

In Area-07 (Putki), a suspicious tractor intercepted near Bhagabandh Pit No. 17 was found carrying stones, and no illegal activity was detected.

Besides the major coal seizure in Area-09 (Bastakola), the Quick Response Team also investigated Rajapur Mines following information regarding suspicious movement.

Drone surveillance in Area-10 (Jelgora) detected a few rat-hole openings near BR-05 Mine; however, no illegal mining activity or illegal coal storage was found during the inspection.

Special Vehicle Checking Drive Strengthens Coal Transportation Monitoring

To further strengthen enforcement against coal theft and illegal transportation, the CISF BCCL Unit conducted a special vehicle checking and surveillance drive across sensitive locations under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957.

Coal-laden vehicles were thoroughly inspected at check posts, railway sidings, coal dumps and transportation corridors. Documents and transport details were verified using the M-Parivahan application to ensure complete compliance.

The inspection covered multiple operational areas:

• Area-01 (Barora): Twenty-four coal-laden vehicles were checked at the Damoda transportation route, with 11 vehicles verified through the M-Parivahan app.
• Area-03 (Govindpur): Twenty-one vehicles were inspected at the NAKC and Hired Patch check posts.
• Area-04 (Katras): Ten vehicles were checked at the TCC check post, with all verified through M-Parivahan.
• Area-05 (Sijua): Forty-two vehicles were inspected at the SBC and NOCP coal dumps, including 32 vehicles digitally verified.
• Area-06 (Dhansar): Twenty-one vehicles were checked and verified at the KWSCD post, GCP and Anna check post near Kali Basti.
• Area-07 (Putki): Eleven vehicles were inspected at Gopalichak and the NCD weighbridge, of which nine were verified.
• Area-09 (Bastakola): All eight vehicles checked near the Rajapur check post close to Vikas Bhawan were successfully verified.
• Area-11 (Bhaura): Fourteen vehicles were verified at the Birsa Bridge check post.
• Area-12 (CV Area): All four vehicles inspected near the crusher backside were verified.
• Area BK-II (Baghmara): Eight vehicles were checked near Attendance House No. 14, with three vehicles verified through M-Parivahan.

Overall, 163 vehicles were inspected, while 119 vehicles were digitally verified through the M-Parivahan platform.

Officials reported that no discrepancies were found in any vehicle, transport document or consignment, and no instances of illegal coal transportation, suspicious movement or other irregularities were detected during the campaign.

The operation was supervised by company commanders, post commanders, Quick Response Teams and additional CISF personnel, ensuring comprehensive security and surveillance throughout the exercise.

Technology-Driven Enforcement

To prevent illegal mining, coal theft and unauthorized transportation, CISF continues to employ a combination of:

• Drone surveillance.
• Area domination patrols.
• Intelligence-based enforcement.
• Quick Response Teams (QRTs).
• Special vehicle checking drives.
• Continuous monitoring of identified hotspots.
• Close coordination with BCCL management, district administration and local police.

These measures have significantly strengthened surveillance and enabled prompt action against illegal activities in vulnerable mining areas.

Commitment to Protect National Assets

BCCL reiterated its commitment to protecting national assets and implementing the Government of India’s ‘Zero Coal Leakage Tolerance Policy’ with complete transparency, legality and strict enforcement.

According to BCCL management, special inspections, surveillance operations and coordinated enforcement campaigns under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957 will continue on a regular basis to effectively curb illegal mining, coal theft and unauthorized transportation while ensuring transparency and discipline in the coal transportation system.

Public Participation Encouraged

BCCL and CISF have appealed to citizens to actively support the campaign by reporting any information related to illegal mining, coal theft, illegal transportation, illegal coal storage or any suspicious activity connected with the coal sector.

Information may be shared confidentially through WhatsApp at 9341528406, the dedicated number of the CISF Unit, BCCL, Coal Nagar, Dhanbad, enabling authorities to take swift, confidential and effective action.