Coal news and updates

In a bid to reduce the revenue generation points of Maoists, weigh bridges under the Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) and vehicles engaged in coal transportation under Bermo sub-division, will now be on radar of the district police.

 

SP YS Ramesh on Wednesday instructed all weigh bridges falling under the sub-division to set up CCTVs cameras to monitor Maoist activities.

 

The SP also directed coal-laden trucks and dumpers to install Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers in their vehicles.

 

Police have also stepped up vigilance in the coal belt area to keep a watch on illegal coal trade which is believed to be a source of revenue generation for the Maoists.

 

Ramesh, in a meeting, appealed to truck owners, transporters, security guards of CCL and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployed in coal mines, to inform the police if Maoists ask for levy from them.

 

Transporters and truck owners involved in coal transportation are always targeted by Maoists for levy collection. On July 24, 2015, Maoists torched 24 Hywa trucks of Dhanbad MP, Rabinder Pandey at Khasmahal project of CCL, only because he refused to give levy to them.

 

Ramesh asked transporters not to be afraid of Maoists, who have lost ground following police raids and arrests in the past couple of years. He said Maoists are growing weak day by day and police efforts are on to stop their levy collection.

 

He also discussed a strategy with CISF and CCL officials on how to curb illegal coal mining and its transportation.

 

"We have asked CCL to ensure that every weigh bridge be installed with CCTV cameras while we have also planned to set up CCTVs at critical points in Bermo sub-division. This would strengthen police in curbing illegal coal trade and other unlawful activities," the SP said. CRPF officials were also asked to intensify raids in the forests.

Source: Energy  ET