Ramgarh DC Faiz Aq Ahmad Mumtaz slammed CCL and Tata Steel for negligence in controlling illegal coal mining. Calling their mines key hubs of coal theft, he issued strict directives, demanding accountability, surveillance, and immediate action to curb the menace.
Ramgarh District Collector (DC) Faiz Aq Ahmad Mumtaz has strongly criticized officials of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and Tata Steel for their failure to curb rampant illegal coal mining and transportation in the region. In a high-level review meeting, the DC labelled the coal mines of CCL and Tata Steel as the “main hubs of illegal coal activities”, attributing the growing problem not just to coal smugglers, but more significantly to the negligence and inefficiency of company officials.
Speaking at the District Mining Task Force meeting held on 19th June, the DC expressed deep dissatisfaction with the actions and responses provided by company representatives. He mentioned that neither CCL nor Tata Steel could provide a satisfactory update on the steps taken to prevent illegal mining, storage, or transportation of coal. He specifically called out the GMs of five major CCL areas —Rajrappa, Kuju, Charhi, Barkasayal, and Argadda as well as the GM of Tata Steel’s West Bokaro Division, for their failure to act responsibly.
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Lapses in Responsibility Exposed
According to the DC, these companies continue coal mining from government-acquired lands, but their weak monitoring and ineffective enforcement have allowed coal mafias to thrive. “Instead of owning up to their duties, the officials try to blame other departments, which is nothing but an excuse to cover up their own shortcomings,” he said.
The review revealed that there has been no concrete or visible action taken by the companies despite repeated government instructions. This, the DC emphasized, is a key reason why Ramgarh has become synonymous with illegal coal mining in Jharkhand.
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Clear Directives Issued to Companies
Taking a tough stand, the DC has instructed that in the next district-level mining and transport meeting, the General Managers of all five CCL areas and Tata Steel must be present in person and must ensure strict implementation of his directives. Key orders given by the DC include Permanent closure of illegal mining routes (muhanas), Installation of CCTV cameras at all entry and exit points in mine areas and along coal transport roads, Setting up of check posts (check nakas) to monitor coal movement, Special surveillance of coal stockyards, railway sidings, and abandoned mining zones, Installation of VTD (Vehicle Tracking Device) in all coal transport vehicles, Registration of these vehicles on the state’s VTS (Vehicle Tracking System) portal
He made it clear that each officer must fulfill their responsibilities and there would be no tolerance for ignorance or blame-shifting. “Your failure to act responsibly is giving illegal coal mafias a free hand,” he warned the officials.
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A Wake-Up Call for Corporates
The DC’s strong words and strict orders highlight a growing frustration with corporate inaction in tackling environmental and economic crimes like illegal coal mining. The administration now expects full cooperation and immediate action from CCL and Tata Steel to restore lawful operations and protect public resources. This bold move by DC sets the tone for stricter governance and could serve as a warning to other companies operating in sensitive areas across Jharkhand.
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