The Ministry of Coal has proposed draft rules that would allow authorities to suspend coal and lignite mining operations for violations of approved mining plans. According to reports from Business Standard, the draft Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2026, establish a comprehensive enforcement mechanism where the competent authority would first direct a colliery owner to rectify a violation within a specified period. If violations remain uncorrected, authorities may issue a 15-day show-cause notice asking why mining operations should not be suspended.
Under the proposed framework, if the response to the show-cause notice is unsatisfactory, authorities may suspend all or part of the mining operations, allowing only activities necessary to bring the mine into conformity with its approved plan. As reported by Business Standard, the draft rules also provide for temporary suspension of operations where the competent authority considers it necessary in the interests of public safety, environmental protection or preventing imminent or irreparable harm. These suspensions would be recorded in writing with clear justifications.
The draft rules require company boards to submit annual declarations to the Coal Controller stating that all mining operations at coal or lignite mines have been carried out in accordance with approved mining plans and applicable laws. According to Business Standard, where the project proponent is not an incorporated company, the colliery owner would submit the declaration. The proposed amendments also seek to define the powers and territorial jurisdiction of officers under the Coal Controller, including Deputy Coal Controllers, regional heads, Coal Superintendents, Assistant Coal Superintendents and surveyors.
The Coal Controller would be authorised to prescribe functions and jurisdiction of officers under the Coal Controller's Organisation, with the Coal Controller identified as the competent authority to determine compliance with mining plans. As reported by Business Standard, the draft proposes a revision mechanism for enforcement orders where aggrieved parties could seek revision of orders passed by Deputy Coal Controllers within 30 days, or challenge orders by subordinate officers before the Deputy Coal Controller within the same period. The proposed application fee for such revisions is ₹10,000.
The draft rules have been issued under Section 18 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and were published in the Gazette on 7 October 2026. According to Business Standard, the government has invited objections and suggestions, which will be considered after 30 days from the date Gazette copies are made available to the public. Stakeholders can submit their feedback to the Under Secretary (P&S-I Section) of the Ministry of Coal.
