Massive Coal Recovery Highlights India's Zero Coal Leakage Drive

A massive seizure of over 428 metric tons of illicit coal has underscored the effectiveness of India’s Zero Coal Leakage campaign. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), in collaboration with Coal India Limited’s allied firms, local police and district administrators, intercepted illegal mining, storage and transportation activities across Jharkhand’s and West Bengal’s coal belts.

Operatives acted on actionable intelligence, employing drone over‑flights, surprise site inspections and continuous monitoring of haulage routes. The operation resulted in the filing of four FIRs and the confiscation of transport vehicles, excavators and other equipment used in the unlawful trade.

Targeted zones included areas served by BCCL, ECL and CCL. Officials stated that the decisive intervention is a cornerstone of the Zero Coal Leakage strategy, designed to protect the nation’s mineral wealth and eliminate black‑market coal flows. The raid follows a high‑level meeting held on July 5, where senior ministers authorized CISF to exercise powers granted by the 1957 Minerals Act for search, seizure and prosecution of illegal miners.