India, July 27 -- The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has intensified its crackdown on illegal coal mining, theft and unauthorised transportation, seizing more than 1,277 metric tonnes (MT) of illegal coal during week-long operations from July 20 to 26. The operations were conducted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), as part of the Ministry of Home Affairs' "Zero Coal Leakage" campaign. According to the CISF, 85 intelligence-based raids were conducted in coalfields under its security cover. The operations led to the seizure of 1,277 MT of illegal coal, registration of one FIR, arrest of five persons and impounding of 40 vehicles.
The largest recovery, 771 MT, was made from BCCL, Dhanbad, during 14 raids, in which two persons were arrested and one vehicle impounded. At ECL, Sheetalpur, 51 raids resulted in the recovery of 341 MT of coal and seizure of 34 vehicles. Eleven raids in CCL, Kargali, yielded 145 MT. At NK Piparwar, six raids led to the recovery of 20 MT, registration of an FIR and seizure of three vehicles. In SECL, Bilaspur, three persons were arrested and two vehicles impounded during three raids. The CISF said intelligence-led operations, technological surveillance, field action and legal powers under the MMDR Act contributed to the results. It said the drive would continue with coal companies, local administration and other agencies.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.