The Supreme Court has taken a strict view of illegal sand mining in the Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary, directing Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to strengthen enforcement, act against vehicles using fake number plates and set up a full surveillance system within six months.
The matter was heard by a bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, which observed that if the allegations reported in the media are found to be correct, they would point to a serious failure of administrative enforcement. The court said illegal mining in the sanctuary is not merely a law and order issue but a major environmental concern.
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Fake Number Plates and Interstate Mining Network Under Lens
The court was informed that an organised illegal sand mining network has allegedly been operating in the Chambal region for a long time. Reports placed before the court suggested that the network takes advantage of interstate boundaries to transport illegally extracted sand.
Several vehicles allegedly used in the operation were said to be either without registration plates or carrying fake identities. The court directed strict action against such vehicles and stressed that enforcement agencies must not allow fake number plates and unregistered transport to weaken monitoring efforts.
The bench also clarified that action should not be limited only to vehicle drivers. It said the wider chain, including vehicle owners, contractors, financiers and others allegedly involved in illegal mining operations, must be investigated.
Court Orders CCTV and Real-Time Monitoring
Taking note of the seriousness of the allegations, the Supreme Court directed the three states to immediately establish strong monitoring systems in sensitive areas. It ordered the installation of CCTV cameras, control rooms and real-time surveillance mechanisms on a war footing.
The court directed that the entire surveillance system must be made fully operational within six months. It also asked the three states to ensure coordinated action so that illegal mining networks cannot exploit jurisdictional gaps between state borders.
The bench expressed concern over increasing attacks on forest department personnel engaged in field enforcement. It directed the states to increase manpower in forest departments and provide adequate resources to ensure effective surveillance and protection of frontline staff.
Chambal Ecosystem Faces Serious Threat
The Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary, spread across approximately 5,400 square kilometres, is a crucial habitat for endangered species including the gharial, the Ganga river dolphin and rare turtles. The court noted that continued illegal mining poses a serious threat to this fragile ecosystem.
The Supreme Court also suggested greater community participation in affected regions through employment schemes, afforestation programmes, eco-tourism initiatives and conservation efforts. It observed that such measures could provide alternative livelihoods and help build resistance against illegal mining.
The court directed Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to submit a concrete progress report at the next hearing. The matter is scheduled to be heard again in July.
