HM Amit Shah Orders ‘Zero Coal Leakage Plan’
Home Minister Directs Stronger Action to Curb Illegal Coal Mining and Theft in Dhanbad Region
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th July: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday directed the adoption of a “Zero Coal Leakage Plan” to curb illegal coal mining and theft, expressing concern over the worsening situation in Dhanbad and adjoining areas.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Shah said stronger and time-bound measures are needed to tackle illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of coal.
The Home Minister appreciated the steps taken by the Ministry of Coal and the Central Industrial Security Force but stressed that enforcement must be intensified. He directed regular monitoring of action taken and called for strict implementation of powers granted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Shah also instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to include the coal sector in the priority list for CISF deployment and directed the force to form Quick Response Teams in vulnerable areas.
Emphasising the use of technology, he said high-resolution cameras at Integrated Command and Control Centres should be used to identify illegal mining activities and those involved. He also called for verification of e-way bills for coal transportation by involving GST authorities to prevent movement of illegally mined coal.
The government, Shah said, remains committed to protecting public resources, maintaining law and order and safeguarding legitimate coal mining operations.
