New Delhi: CISF Seizes 1,799 Tonnes Of Coal Worth ₹1.08 Cr
Enforcement has been strengthened through statutory powers available to designated CISF officers under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: Reports
NEW DELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has seized 1,798.725 metric tonnes of illegally mined, stored or transported coal worth nearly ₹1.08 crore during operations across coalfields under its security cover over the past three weeks.
The force also seized 84 vehicles, including heavy-duty Hyva trucks and modified motorcycles used for illegal transportation, and registered 21 complaint cases against those involved in coal theft and smuggling, officials said on Sunday.
The action follows a review meeting chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah on July 5, where directions were issued for time-bound measures to achieve “Zero Coal Leakage” and curb illegal mining and pilferage.
Among the recoveries, 1,063.91 metric tonnes of coal were seized from Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad, 450.13 metric tonnes from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in Sheetalpur, and 284.715 metric tonnes from Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) in Ranchi and CMP (H).
Officials said enforcement has been strengthened through statutory powers available to designated CISF officers under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Provisions under Sections 22, 23B and 24 enable authorised officers to file complaints before courts, conduct searches and enter premises suspected of storing illegally mined minerals.
The operations involved human intelligence, CCTV surveillance and real-time monitoring of coal movement to identify vulnerable locations and disrupt illegal networks.
The seized vehicles have been handed over to local police for further action, the CISF said.
In a statement, the Director General of CISF said: "CISF will continue intelligence-led operations, technology-enabled surveillance and enforcement of its statutory powers in coordination with coal companies, local administration and other stakeholder agencies to advance the objective of "Zero Coal Leakage", the statement reads further.
