Central Flying Squad orders permanent sealing of illegal mining zones in Devkhol and Bhalumada through controlled blasting
TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 19, 2026: In a decisive move to curb illegal coal extraction, the district administration in Koriya districtlaunched a major enforcement operation against unauthorised mining activities, uncovering a 150-metre-long illegal tunnel and seizing large quantities of coal and equipment. The crackdown was carried out following the arrival of a Central Flying Squad from Raipur, which conducted inspections in the Devkhol forest area and Bhalumada mining belt on Sunday.
Officials identified multiple locations where illegal coal extraction had been carried out and directed that these sites be permanently sealed through controlled blasting to prevent further misuse. The action forms part of a broader campaign by the state administration to dismantle illegal mining networks operating in remote forested regions.
Joint Task Force Conducts Extensive Survey
A district-level task force comprising officials from the Mineral Resources, Forest, Revenue and Police Departments jointly surveyed the affected areas during the operation. Authorities reported that while no fresh stock of coal was found during Sunday’s inspection, evidence confirmed that illegal mining had been conducted extensively in the past.
The crackdown followed an intensive operation conducted a day earlier in the Devkhol forest under Patna Tehsil, where officials seized more than six tonnes of illegally extracted coal. During that drive, several tunnels believed to have been used repeatedly for illicit coal extraction were demolished.
150-Metre Tunnel Discovered
During the search operation, officials ventured deep into underground passages stretching nearly 150 metres. Inside these tunnels, the team discovered significant evidence of organised mining activity. Apart from coal, authorities seized various tools and machinery used for extraction, including shovels, pickaxes, electric pumps, suction pipes and a large quantity of electrical wiring.
Investigators believe the tunnels were being used to extract coal from abandoned or restricted seams in forest areas, with the material later transported and stored through informal networks.
Multi-District Coordination in Operation
The operation saw coordinated participation from officials across multiple districts, highlighting the scale of the anti-mining campaign. Personnel from the Mineral Departments of Surajpur district, Manendragarh–Chirmiri–Bharatpur district, and Gaurela‑Pendra‑Marwahi district joined the Koriya district team. Local police and staff from the Forest and Revenue Departments also assisted in the survey and enforcement action.
Officials stated that the operation was conducted in close coordination with South Eastern Coalfields Limited, which plays a key role in monitoring mining activities in the region.
Permanent Sealing of Illegal Sites
Authorities have ordered that the identified illegal mining locations be sealed permanently using controlled blasting techniques. This method is expected to collapse the underground passages and render them unusable for further excavation.
Officials said such measures are necessary because illegal miners often reopen tunnels or create new entry points after routine enforcement drives. Permanent sealing is therefore considered essential to eliminate the possibility of future operations at these sites.
Surveillance to Be Intensified
The administration has announced plans to intensify surveillance in vulnerable forest zones through joint monitoring by the Forest and Mineral Departments, along with support from SECL officials. Continuous patrols and intelligence gathering will be undertaken to detect illegal mining activities at an early stage.
Authorities also indicated that strict legal action would be taken against individuals involved in illegal mining, transportation and storage of coal.
Strong Message to Illegal Operators
The large-scale crackdown has created panic among individuals suspected of being part of illegal mining networks in the region. Officials said the administration is determined to dismantle such operations and prevent environmental damage, revenue losses and safety hazards caused by unregulated mining.
With sustained enforcement drives and stronger inter-departmental coordination, the administration aims to ensure that illegal coal mining activities in the forested belts of Koriya district are permanently brought under control.
