Amit Shah orders 'Zero Coal Leakage Plan' after review of illegal coal mining in Dhanbad area
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy reviewed illegal coal mining and theft in Dhanbad and nearby areas, and decided on a 'Zero Coal Leakage Plan' with coal put on the priority list for CISF deployment (announced 5 July 2026).
Summary
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy reviewed illegal coal mining and coal theft at a high-level meeting in New Delhi, the Home Ministry said on 5 July 2026, with concern over the worsening situation in Dhanbad and nearby areas. A 'Zero Coal Leakage Plan' was adopted for a time-bound response to illegal mining and unauthorised coal transport. CISF and Coal India Limited officials have been authorised to act under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, including search and seizure. The coal sector is to be put on the priority list for CISF deployment, CISF is to form Quick Response Teams, and GST authorities are to verify e-way bills for all coal transported.
Key facts
- Announced
- 5 July 2026, MHA
- Area of concern
- Dhanbad and nearby areas
- Decision
- Zero Coal Leakage Plan
- Legal powers
- CISF and CIL officials authorised under MMDR Act, 1957
- Other directions
- Coal on CISF priority list; CISF Quick Response Teams; e-way bill checks via GST authorities
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which plan was adopted after Amit Shah's review of illegal coal mining and theft in Dhanbad and nearby areas (announced 5 July 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — Zero Coal Leakage Plan
A 'Zero Coal Leakage Plan' was adopted to ensure a comprehensive and time-bound response to illegal mining and unauthorised transport of coal.
Under which Act have CISF and Coal India Limited officials been authorised to file cases and seize illegally mined coal?
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Correct answer: B — Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
CISF and CIL officials have been authorised to act under the MMDR Act, 1957, which lets them file cases, enter premises, search and seize illegally extracted minerals.
Consider the following directions given at the review of illegal coal mining: 1. The coal sector is to be included in the priority list for CISF deployment. 2. GST authorities are to verify e-way bills for coal being transported. 3. The Army is to be deployed in vulnerable coal areas. Which of the above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
The directions covered CISF priority deployment, CISF Quick Response Teams and e-way bill checks through GST authorities; no Army deployment was mentioned.