RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Nov.18: Illegal transportation of coal from Jharkhand state to other places is still a challenge.
A section of transporters informed this saying they see coal being transported to the market of Varanasi and Dehri-on-Son unabated and there is no one to put a check on this.
“The Mining department is worried about a small quantity of coal being illegally transported within the state for running small brick kiln units and others while it looks unaware of illegal transportation of coal from Jharkhand to other states,” a transporter said.
“Jharkhand Mineral (prevention of illegal mining, transportation and storage) Rule 2017, which prohibits other than a dealer or a mining leaseholder to buy or store or sell or offer for sale or engage in any transaction of buying, selling, processing of minerals at any place or transport, mineral for commercial gain without registered as a dealer, is being taken for granted,” the transporter said.
A mining department official admitted the problem saying the coordinated effort is required to put a check.
“Many industrial units in the state have taken license to procure coal for their use but the owners instead of using it for running their unit sell to another party and instead of being a bonafide industrialist have become an illegal coal trader. Industry department is expected to visit each industrial unit after every month to ensure whether any industrial unit is running or not but this is not done due to the crisis of manpower and willpower,” the official said.
Mines director S.P. Kujur refused to talk when contacted for his comment on the matter. “Hum Kya Baat Karenge,” he said before disconnecting his phone.
Those, who are well aware of the illegal business of coal, said the state government’s exercise to stop illegal transportation of coal is perfunctory at best.
“Government is required to use technology in a better way. Instead of giving attention to illegal transportation inside the state, it should pay attention to illegal transportation from the state to other states. If coordination between the toll plaza and mining authorities is established, illegal transportation of coal to other states can be checked. Apart from this, proper attention is also required to be given to powdered coal which is being used to mix with quality coal to increase weight while transportation of coal through railways. Attention is also required to be given to overloading,” a person with an idea of the illegal business of coal said.
A mining department official said steps are being taken to improve the situation: “There are as many as 5462 registered coal traders in the state but there is every possibility of being more involved in the business illegally. An effort is being made on increasing the number of registered traders. To put a check on illegal transportation chips are being used to keep a vigil on the trucks and dumpers electronically.”
Another mining department official said it is difficult to put a complete check as there are many families who depend on the illegal business of coal.
“Those who depend on the illegal business of coal know many ways to transport the coal illegally. They are in good numbers and are under the patronisation of many influential people,” the official said.
