Ranchi: Jamshedpur (West) MLA Saryu Roy has written a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren highlighting large-scale illegal coal mining and theft in Bokaro district. In the letter, Roy alleged that several areas under the Bermo sub-division have become hotspots for illegal coal extraction and trade, with the operations continuing openly and unchecked.
He stated that local residents informed him about the ongoing activities and urged him to take the matter to the state government so that strict action could be taken against those involved in coal theft, illegal mining, and unauthorized coal processing. Roy named several police station jurisdictions, including Pank Narayanpur, Nawadih, Dugdha, Petarwar, Bokaro Thermal, Kathara OP, and Tenughat OP, where coal is being transported without restriction through motorcycles, vans, tractors, and trucks.
The MLA also accused those running the illegal trade of violating environmental laws with impunity. He said many unauthorized coal plants are operating in residential areas, exposing villagers to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Even units officially registered as coal factories are engaged in the illegal trade of powdered and steam coal. Among the units named in the letter are Ruby Coal Factory in Chirudih (Nawadih), Jagdamba Coal Factory in Pilpilo (Pank Narayanpur), Nishad Coal Factory in Pichhri (Petarwar), and units operating in Poradag and Khaki (Nimiaghat, Giridih).
Roy pointed out that the district environment committee is chaired by the deputy commissioner, yet no effective action has been taken, which he said reflects the seriousness of the situation. He further alleged that the coal theft mainly involves CCL’s B&K, Kathara, and Dhori area mines, as well as closed mines in Tapani, Charakpania, Pilpilo, Jarangdih, Kathara colliery, railway sidings, Kusumdeeh, and the CCL Karo Special Phase-II site.
Roy called for immediate intervention from the state government to halt the illegal mining operations and enforce strict action against those responsible.