THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, Oct 8: Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy has written to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren alleging rampant illegal coal mining and theft in Bermo, Bokaro. Roy claims organised smuggling networks are operating freely across several police jurisdictions with little administrative action.
In his letter, Roy said that several concerned citizens from Bermo have repeatedly provided him with written reports containing concrete evidence of ongoing illegal activities. Despite multiple complaints to the district administration, police, and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), the illegal trade continues unchecked, he claimed.
Roy expressed concern that the lack of administrative action has emboldened those involved in the coal trade while discouraging citizens who have raised their voices against it. Locals have urged him to take the matter to the Chief Minister so that action can be taken against those responsible for coal theft, illegal mining, and unregulated coal-processing units.
Illegal Coal Trade Thriving Across Multiple Police Jurisdictions
According to Roy, the illegal coal trade is flourishing across several police station jurisdictions in the Bermo subdivision — including Penk Narayanpur, Navadih, Dugdha, Petarwar, Bokaro Thermal, Kathara OP, and Tenughat OP. The trade reportedly operates with the help of bikes, vans, tractors, and trucks.
He alleged that the situation has worsened over time. What was once managed at the police station level is now being run by organised smugglers from districts such as Ramgarh, Dhanbad, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, and Bokaro. These groups, he claimed, boast strong political and administrative connections and even threaten to have police officers transferred if they attempt to interfere.
“The coal smugglers have no fear of the police or administration,” Roy wrote, adding that the illegal operations are becoming increasingly organised and widespread.
Environmental Norms Flouted by Illegal Coal Units
Roy also highlighted severe environmental violations, alleging that several unauthorised coal-processing factories are operating openly without adhering to pollution control norms. These units, he said, process coal in the open instead of using proper furnaces, causing severe carbon monoxide pollution in nearby residential areas.
He named several such units allegedly involved in the illegal trade — including Ruby Coal Factory in Chirudih (Navadih), Jagdamba Coal Factory in Pilpilo (Penk Narayanpur), Nishad Coal Factory in Pichhri (Petarwar), and coal units in Pordag and Khaki in Giridih’s Nimiyaghat area. According to his letter, stolen coal is transported to these sites from 7 pm to 4 am using bikes, vans, and tractors.
Roy noted that the District Magistrate, who also serves as chairperson of the District Environmental Protection Committee, has failed to take effective action, allowing the violations to persist.
Coal Theft from CCL Mines and Closed Collieries
The letter further alleges that most of the coal theft originates from CCL’s B&K mines and the Kathara and Dhori areas. Illegal extraction is also taking place from closed mines in Tapani, Charakpaniya, Pilpilo, Jarangdih, Kathara Colliery, Kusumdih, and CCL’s Karo Special Phase-2 project.
Roy added that social media reports indicate a system of illegal payments to transporters, with rates of around ₹3,000 per motorcycle, ₹50,000–₹60,000 per van, and ₹1,000 per tractor each month.
He urged the Chief Minister to initiate immediate action to curb the illegal trade, protect whistleblowers, and enforce environmental and mining regulations across the region.
