New Delhi, Jul 6 : Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to implement a “Zero Coal Leakage Plan” in phases to curb illegal coal mining and coal theft, particularly in coal-bearing regions of Jharkhand, officials said.
The directive came during a high-level review meeting jointly chaired by Shah and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi to assess measures aimed at tackling illegal coal extraction and transportation.
The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Coal Secretary, senior officials of the Ministry of Coal, CISF, Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries.
Expressing concern over the increasing incidents of illegal coal mining and coal theft in Dhanbad and adjoining areas, Shah called for coordinated action by all enforcement agencies to dismantle illegal mining networks and ensure that only legally mined coal reaches consumers.
Officials informed the meeting that several measures initiated after a review in October 2025 had begun yielding results. As part of the next phase, the government will roll out the Zero Coal Leakage Plan in Dhanbad to strengthen surveillance over coal mining and transportation.
According to officials, the plan envisages tighter monitoring of coal movement, verification of e-way bills, enhanced security at vulnerable locations and coordinated enforcement by multiple agencies.
The meeting decided that Quick Response Teams (QRTs) would be deployed in sensitive areas, while high-resolution cameras would be installed to monitor mining sites and transportation routes. Authorities will also conduct comprehensive verification of e-way bills accompanying coal consignments to prevent illegal diversion.
Shah directed CISF and Coal India officials to strictly enforce the plan in accordance with the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957, and prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He also asked officials to ensure that consumers procure only legally mined coal and directed district administrations to assist in monitoring coal transportation.
To strengthen enforcement, CISF and Coal India officials have been authorised under the MMDR Act to conduct searches, seize illegally mined coal, machinery and vehicles, register First Information Reports (FIRs) in cases related to illegal mining and initiate prosecution against offenders.
Officials have also been empowered to identify and raid suspected illegal coal depots and confiscate equipment used in unlawful mining operations.
The Union Home Minister further instructed the CISF to establish multi-layered security arrangements in vulnerable areas and use advanced surveillance technology to identify individuals involved in illegal mining activities.
The government said the Zero Coal Leakage Plan aims to eliminate illegal coal mining and theft through continuous surveillance, inter-agency coordination and stricter regulation of coal transportation, while ensuring transparency and accountability in the coal supply chain.
The MMDR Act, 1957, is the country’s principal legislation governing the regulation, development and transportation of minerals and provides enforcement agencies with powers to act against illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals.
