New Delhi, July 9 -- In a major step towards strengthening the Central government's "zero coal leakage" initiative, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has intensified enforcement against illegal coal mining, theft, unauthorised storage and transportation under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).

Following the empowerment of designated CISF officers under Sections 22, 23B and 24 of the MMDR Act, the force said it has launched intelligence-driven operations in coordination with Coal India subsidiaries, local police and district administration to safeguard national mineral resources and strengthen transparency in the coal sector.

Between July 4 and July 8 this year, the CISF...