Dhanbad organises CISF BCCL workshop to safeguard coal production and operations
Dhanbad recently hosted a high-level two-day workshop organised by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in collaboration with Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) to strengthen security across the coal sector. The event brought together senior officials, industry experts, and district authorities to address challenges such as illegal mining, theft, and operational risks, while exploring technology-driven monitoring, standardised safety protocols, and future-ready strategies to safeguard India’s critical coal production and supply chains.
Coal continues to underpin India’s energy landscape, generating nearly 75 percent of electricity and supporting industries including steel, cement, and power generation. With production targets projected to reach 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030, primarily in eastern and central coal belts, securing uninterrupted and lawful operations has become a priority not only for economic growth but also for national security. Stakeholders highlighted that evolving threats, including cyber risks and digital system vulnerabilities, require integrated, proactive, and intelligence-driven approaches.The workshop convened a diverse group of participants: CISF leadership, executives from coal-based public sector units, district administration representatives, and academic experts. Through focused sessions, participants explored advanced mining technologies, drone-assisted surveillance, integrated command monitoring, HR-led safety initiatives, anti-corruption mechanisms, and disaster preparedness. Particular attention was given to standardising security protocols for outsourced Mine Developer-Operator (MDO) projects, ensuring consistent operational benchmarks and governance across coal operations.
The event was inaugurated by BCCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Manoj Kumar Agarwal, alongside CISF Inspector General Deepak Verma. Senior CISF leaders, including Director General Praveer Ranjan and ADG/North Sudhir Kumar, addressed the workshop virtually, emphasising the centrality of coal security to India’s economic growth. Agarwal stressed that productivity, safety, and security must progress together, advocating modernisation aligned with sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices. Verma called for coordinated, time-bound action against illegal mining and supply chain vulnerabilities that threaten public trust and government revenue.DG CISF Ranjan highlighted the importance of technology-enabled, intelligence-driven, and people-centric security solutions. He noted that workshops like this foster collaboration between security forces, coal PSUs, civil administration, and academia, enabling stakeholders to anticipate emerging risks, strengthen governance, and enhance resilience.
The Dhanbad workshop reflects a strategic shift in India’s coal ecosystem toward proactive risk management, digital integration, and standardised security practices. As the sector advances in line with the nation’s energy and industrial growth ambitions, such initiatives aim to ensure that coal production remains not only efficient and profitable but also safe, transparent, and sustainable.
