Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has launched a drive to shut down illegal coal mines in its leasehold areas across West Burdwan, Purulia and Bankura districts on the heels of allegations that a section of ECL officials is in cahoots with coal smugglers.
Accompanied by personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), members of the special task force of the ECL, which was earlier formed to check illegal coal mining, have been raiding several areas of the leasehold areas since Monday and filling up pits dug by the pilferers with sand.
“We have already shut down two dozen illegal coal pits in Asansol and Jamuria. The drive will continue,” said an ECL official.
