BCCL Directed to Dump Overburden Within Leasehold Area: Deputy Commissioner

A meeting of the District Mining Task Force was held today at New Town Hall under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Shri Aditya Ranjan. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) to strictly adhere to land acquisition regulations, dump overburden within their designated leasehold areas, and expedite the closure of all remaining illegal mining pits. He emphasized that illegal coal mining is a matter of grave concern and must be curbed with joint efforts from the district administration, police, BCCL, and CISF. He stated that the Task Force must work with a strong focus on protecting the environment, promoting sustainable development, creating strategic action plans, and ensuring proper mine closure for the future of the local population. To control illegal coal transportation, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the task force to verify whether registered coal traders under GST actually possess depots or plots. He also emphasized that date and time must be mandatorily recorded when seizing vehicles carrying illegal coal. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shri Prabhat Kumar directed all police station in-charges to register FIRs on the same day whenever a complaint regarding illegal mining is received from BCCL, CISF, or the mining officer. He assured full cooperation from the police and administration to BCCL in preventing illegal mining, storage, and transportation of coal. Additional Collector Shri Vinod Kumar briefed BCCL officials on land acquisition norms. District Mining Officer Shri Ritesh Raj Tigga reported that from January to June 2025, a total of 58 cases have been registered in connection with illegal coal mining, transportation, and storage. A total of 68 individuals have been arrested, 890 tonnes of coal and 17 vehicles including 7 Hyvas have been seized. Additionally, 26 cases related to illegal minor mineral mining have been registered, with 9 FIRs filed, 33 vehicles seized, and penalties amounting to ₹9.55 lakh collected under JMMC Rules 2004. BCCL Director (HR) Shri Murali Krishna Ramaiya informed that CISF is monitoring all BCCL areas through drone surveillance to prevent illegal mining. All illegal pits have been closed and dozed, and hotspots have been identified for continuous action. All coal-transport vehicles are equipped with RFID and vehicle tracking systems, while boom barriers have been installed at all entry and exit points of mining zones. Other key officials present at the meeting included Divisional Forest Officer Shri Vikas Paliwal, City SP Shri Kapil Chaudhary, SDO Shri Rajesh Kumar, CISF Commandant Shri Pradeep Vishwakarma, Shri Ashutosh Chaubey, DSP Law & Order Shri Naushad Alam, SDPO Sindri Shri Ashutosh Satyam, SDPO Baghmara Shri Purushottam Kumar Singh, SDPO Nirsa Shri Rajat Manik Bakhla, all Circle Officers, and Police Station In-charges.