Illegal sand extraction in the fragile National Chambal Sanctuary has drawn sharp judicial scrutiny, with the Supreme Court issuing a set of tough directions aimed at immediately curbing the activity. The Court, acting in a suo motu matter, stressed that unchecked mining in the eco-sensitive region demanded urgent and decisive intervention.
The Bench directed the States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to formulate effective enforcement strategies without delay. It cautioned that continued inaction could invite drastic measures, including a complete prohibition on sand mining in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, financial penalties on the States for failing to protect critical habitats, and even deployment of central or paramilitary forces.
Beyond broad warnings, the Court outlined concrete enforcement steps. These included initiation of confiscation proceedings against vehicles and machinery used in illegal mining, imposition of environmental compensation on violators, creation of joint patrol teams, and deployment of adequately equipped security personnel. The States were also asked to frame detailed standard operating procedures to coordinate enforcement.
Significantly, the Court underscored that preventive detention laws may be invoked against those involved in organized illegal mining operations. It observed that seizure and confiscation mechanisms already exist in law, and authorities should not hesitate to use them to dismantle entrenched networks harming the environment.
Expressing concern over the conduct of the States, the Court noted that despite projecting themselves as custodians of the gharial habitat, they had failed to prevent large-scale ecological damage. The record, it remarked, reflected a lack of seriousness, and the administrative response appeared sluggish despite a robust statutory framework.
The Court also warned that non-compliance with its directions would be treated seriously. Officials responsible for lapses could face personal liability and contempt proceedings.
Among the specific directions issued were installation of high-resolution, Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras along routes commonly used for illegal sand transport and at vulnerable stretches of the river. Authorities were instructed to carefully plan camera placement in consultation with the Central Empowered Committee to avoid ecological disturbance. Live feeds from these cameras are to remain under the supervision of senior police and forest officials, who must ensure continuous monitoring through designated officers.
Whenever illegal mining is detected through surveillance, the concerned authorities have been directed to act immediately by mobilizing enforcement teams and initiating legal proceedings.
The urgency of the situation was highlighted by recent developments brought to the Court’s attention, including the killing of a forest guard who attempted to stop a vehicle carrying illegally mined sand. The incident underscored the risks faced by enforcement personnel and the scale of resistance from mining operators.
The Court made it clear that environmental protection in the Chambal region cannot remain a paper commitment, and strong, coordinated action is now expected from the States.
