Amit Shah Unveils ‘Zero Coal Leakage Plan’ To Curb Illegal Mining

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reviewed the worsening situation of illegal coal mining and theft in Dhanbad and adjoining areas, favouring the priority deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) under a comprehensive ‘Zero Coal Leakage Plan’.

During the meeting, attended by Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Shah directed officials to place the coal sector on the priority list for CISF deployment so the force could immediately station personnel in vulnerable areas. He also instructed the CISF to set up Quick Response Teams and implement a multi-layered security system to enable swift action against illegal mining whenever it receives information.

Shah directed officials to adopt the ‘Zero Coal Leakage Plan’ to ensure a comprehensive and time-bound response to illegal mining and the unauthorised transportation of coal. He also emphasised greater use of technology and instructed officials to use high-resolution cameras at Integrated Command and Control Centres to identify locations and individuals involved in illegal mining.

Officials from the Ministry of Coal informed the meeting that, since the October 2025 review, the government has authorised CISF and Coal India Limited officials under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to file cases, conduct searches, seize illegally extracted coal, and confiscate equipment and vehicles used in unauthorised mining.

Stressing the need for stronger action, Shah called for the rigorous use of these powers in accordance with the approved Standard Operating Procedure. He also directed the Ministry of Coal to regularly review enforcement measures and called for the involvement of GST authorities to verify e-way bills for all coal transportation to discourage the movement and use of illegally mined coal.

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