SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Feb 5: The Dhanbad district mining department has issued a 15-day ultimatum to Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Tata Steel Collieries to deposit pending mining revenue of ₹183.85 crore, warning that certificate cases will be initiated if the dues are not cleared within the deadline.
Supreme Court order behind recovery action
District Mining Officer Ritesh Raj Tigga said the notices were issued in compliance with Supreme Court orders to recover unpaid mining revenue from coal companies operating in the Dhanbad region.
Illegal mining beyond lease areas
According to the mining department, the companies carried out coal mining beyond permitted lease areas between 2000 and 2010. Violations were found in 46 BCCL collieries, eight ECL collieries in the Mugma Area, two SAIL collieries in Chasnala, and three Tata Steel collieries in the Jharia Division.
Company-wise dues
Under the recovery order, BCCL has been directed to pay ₹17,337.87 crore for collieries spread across multiple areas of Jharia and surrounding coalfields. Tata Steel Jharia Division has been asked to deposit ₹385.19 crore, Eastern Coalfields Limited (Mugma Area) ₹328.77 crore, and Steel Authority of India Limited (Chasnala) ₹333.42 crore.
Legal action if payment not made
The State Government has authorised the District Mining Officer and Assistant Mining Officer to recover the dues. Officials said the coal companies’ representations were heard until December, after which formal notices were issued. If the amount is not deposited within 15 days, certificate cases will be registered against the defaulting companies.
The District Mining Department has informed senior officials of all concerned coal companies about the action taken.