Shah asks CISF to enforce 'zero coal leakage plan' to plug illegal mining in Jharkhand's Dhanbad

Business To Business, New Delhi, 05^th July, 2026:   Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to implement a comprehensive "Zero Coal Leakage Plan" aimed at curbing illegal coal mining and theft in Jharkhand's Dhanbad region through enhanced surveillance, rapid response mechanisms and a multi-layered security framework.
Shah issued the directives during a high-level review meeting with Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy to assess the prevailing situation of illegal coal mining and coal theft, particularly in coal-rich areas of the state.
The Home Minister instructed the CISF to constitute dedicated Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to respond swiftly to incidents of illegal mining and to establish a multi-tier security arrangement in vulnerable locations to prevent unauthorised extraction and transportation of coal. He also stressed the need for prompt and decisive action against illegal miners and those involved in the coal theft network.
During the meeting, officials informed Shah that personnel of the CISF and officials of Coal India Limited (CIL) have been authorised to initiate action under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The legal empowerment is expected to strengthen enforcement efforts by enabling on-the-spot action against offenders engaged in illegal mining activities.
The review focused on improving coordination among security agencies, coal companies and local authorities to plug revenue leakages, safeguard national resources and dismantle organised networks involved in illegal coal extraction. The "Zero Coal Leakage Plan" is expected to combine technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement to secure coal-bearing areas and ensure greater accountability.
The Centre's renewed push comes amid persistent concerns over illegal mining in the Dhanbad coal belt, which has long been plagued by unauthorised excavation, coal pilferage and associated safety and environmental risks.