Coal Theft in Dhanbad: Who Is Responsible – BCCL Top Management, CISF or Both?
According to reports, illegal mining through BCCL collieries has created a parallel black market, openly looting the nation’s resources
A fresh controversy has erupted in Dhanbad after a major land subsidence incident in Katras, where an outsourcing company’s service van fell into the caved-in site. The episode has now been linked to illegal coal mining, raising serious questions about the role of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployed at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) mines.
Eyewitnesses claimed that on September 5, the day of the incident, several bags filled with coal were seen lying at the accident spot, but by the next day all the bags had disappeared. Questions have been raised: “How did the bags vanish overnight? Who brought the truck, who loaded the coal, and where was it unloaded? If investigated, the role of CISF would certainly be exposed.”
It has also been alleged that when the protector becomes the predator, the very relevance of such an institution comes under suspicion. Drawing comparisons, locals stated that Tata’s collieries operate without CISF deployment, yet not a single lump of coal gets stolen, whereas in BCCL coal theft is rampant.
Illegal Mining Network Under Scanner
According to reports, illegal mining through BCCL collieries has created a parallel black market, openly looting the nation’s resources. Experts suggest that coal theft can be tracked with ease using drone monitoring across BCCL’s 12 operational areas. If drones capture movements of coal smugglers and a CISF team seizes the stolen consignments at the point of transport, coal theft can be curbed within 15 days.
It is argued that sustained action would cripple the illegal network since workers engaged in unlawful mining are forced to share profits with coal smugglers. A continuous crackdown would discourage both miners and traders.
Fixing Accountability Through Buyers
Another suggested strategy is to allow stolen coal to be loaded onto trucks and then track it to its final destination. If buyers are prosecuted as accused, the illegal trade will automatically collapse.
Additionally, it has been emphasized that any vehicle without GPS tracking or with its GPS deliberately turned off should be seized, as this is a strong indicator of coal smuggling.
The Big Question
The most troubling question raised is why coal theft is non-existent in Tata’s collieries while it flourishes unabated in BCCL despite CISF deployment.
The issue has sparked a wider debate in Dhanbad on whether the removal of CISF could actually help curb theft and save BCCL from further losses.
www.indianpsu.com sent several queries in this regard to BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal, but he chose not to respond.
