Amit Shah's Bold Move: Zero Coal Leakage Plan to Combat Illegal Mining in Jharkhand

Union Home Minister's Directive on Illegal Coal Mining

New Delhi: On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah instructed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to implement a comprehensive zero coal leakage strategy aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. This initiative includes the formation of rapid response teams and the establishment of a multi-layered security framework in areas prone to illegal mining, alongside swift actions against offenders.

During a high-level meeting with Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, Shah reviewed the current situation regarding illegal coal mining and theft.

Officials informed the minister that the CISF and Coal India Limited have been empowered to act under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957.

This empowerment allows them to initiate legal proceedings, access locations suspected of harboring illegally mined coal, conduct searches, and confiscate illegally extracted minerals along with the tools and vehicles used in these illicit operations, as stated in a government announcement.

Shah expressed his concern regarding the escalating illegal coal mining and theft in Dhanbad and surrounding regions. He acknowledged the new authorities granted to CISF and Coal India officials but stressed the necessity for more robust actions to tackle this issue.

He pointed out that while powers have been delegated to CISF and Coal India Limited officials under the MMDR Act, these powers must be exercised diligently and in a coordinated manner, adhering to the established Standard Operating Procedures.

The meeting included participation from Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, the Union coal secretary, and senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, CISF, Coal India Limited, and BCCL.

Shah issued several key directives, including the implementation of the 'Zero Coal Leakage Plan' to ensure a thorough and timely response to illegal mining and unauthorized coal transportation.

He also called for regular reviews of actions taken by the coal ministry.

To ensure consumers receive only legally mined coal and to discourage the transport of illegal coal, Shah proposed involving GST authorities. A system should be established to verify e-way bills for all coal shipments.

The Home Minister instructed his ministry officials to prioritize the coal sector for CISF deployment, ensuring immediate personnel availability in vulnerable regions.

Additionally, he directed the CISF to create Quick Response Teams and set up a multi-layered security structure in at-risk areas, enabling rapid responses to illegal mining activities.

Officials from the coal ministry reported that significant measures have been implemented since the review conducted in early October 2025.

It was also noted that a high-level meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary in December 2025 led to several crucial decisions, including the formation of a Coal Sector Coordination Committee.

Shah emphasized the importance of leveraging technology effectively, directing that high-resolution cameras at Integrated Command and Control Centres be utilized to identify locations and individuals involved in illegal mining.