Illegal Sand Mining: Supreme Court Issues Sweeping Enforcement And Monitoring Directions
Supreme Court issued sweeping directions to curb illegal sand mining in the Chambal Sanctuary and strengthened enforcement, surveillance and livelihood measures across three states
Supreme Court directed Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to intensify crackdown on illegal sand mining in the Chambal Sanctuary with strict surveillance and enforcement measures
The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued sweeping directions to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to curb rampant illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, while also linking enforcement measures with livelihood creation for vulnerable communities dependent on mining activities.
The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the directions in a suo motu case concerning large-scale environmental degradation in the ecologically sensitive Chambal region, home to endangered species such as the gharial, Ganges river dolphin and red-crowned roof turtle.
During the hearing, the Court took note of continued illegal mining despite earlier orders and recorded strong observations on alleged non-compliance by state authorities, recalling its earlier remark that officials were “lying with their eyes closed”.
The Bench also referred to a media report placed before it regarding the use of unregistered vehicles in mining operations and sought a response from the State of Madhya Pradesh. The Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the State, indicated he had not read the report but said that if accurate, it would be “shocking”.
The Court issued a detailed enforcement framework aimed at tightening surveillance, strengthening field enforcement, and disrupting organised mining networks operating in the region.
On the enforcement side, the Court directed the three states to urgently fill vacancies in forest departments and frontline enforcement agencies, including forest guards, and complete recruitment within one year. Chief Secretaries were asked to file affidavits detailing steps taken to identify and fill critical posts.
The Court also ordered the establishment of integrated surveillance systems, including CCTV networks, control rooms, and real-time monitoring infrastructure across affected zones. It further mandated continuous interception, seizure and confiscation of vehicles involved in illegal mining, including tractors, excavators, and transport vehicles operating with fake or tampered registration details.
Significantly, the Court expanded the scope of criminal accountability, directing that prosecution be initiated not only against drivers but also against owners, financiers, contractors and others linked to illegal mining operations under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Bench also directed authorities to maintain digital records of all enforcement actions, including seizure details, ownership data, criminal antecedents and confiscation proceedings to ensure coordinated investigation of mining networks.
On infrastructure monitoring, the Court directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to install high-resolution night-vision CCTV cameras on the Morena–Dholpur bridge along National Highway-44, covering up to one kilometre upstream and 500 metres downstream of the river stretch.
The surveillance feed will be shared with police and forest authorities for continuous monitoring, while the system is required to operate round-the-clock with proper backup and storage facilities.
The Court also directed strict measures to prevent dumping of waste and debris into the Chambal river from bridges and adjoining public infrastructure, including installation of protective mesh, fencing and warning signage.
Importantly, the Bench linked enforcement with socio-economic intervention, directing states to explore special employment schemes, skill development programmes, eco-tourism and conservation-linked livelihoods to reduce dependence on illegal mining in vulnerable regions.
The matter will next be heard on July 22.
Notably, on May 14, the Court had taken a stern view of large-scale illegal sand mining inside the National Chambal Sanctuary and directed several senior Rajasthan government officials to personally appear before it in the next hearing.
Earlier, this month, the Court had examined compliance with earlier directions issued to curb illegal mining activity in the protected eco-sensitive zone. The bench had expressed concern over the findings, questioning how tractors and other vehicles could be operating without registration in such sensitive areas, and remarked on what he termed a serious administrative lapse by the State of Rajasthan.
Last month, the Court had issued a series of stringent directions to curb illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, warning that continued inaction by authorities could invite severe consequences, including deployment of central forces and a complete ban on mining activities.
On April 13, the Court had came down heavily on the States of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan over rampant illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, flagging serious threats to public safety and endangered wildlife. In earlier proceedings, the Supreme Court had also stayed a notification issued by the Rajasthan government de-notifying 732 hectares of the Chambal Sanctuary without prior approval, observing that the State could not have acted unilaterally.
In March, the Court had came down heavily on authorities in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh over continued illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, observing that officials may be held vicariously liable for destruction of protected wildlife habitats due to their “lethargy and inaction.” Earlier, on March 13, the Court had taken suo motu cognisance of alleged illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, expressing concern over the threat posed to endangered aquatic wildlife, particularly the critically endangered Gharial.
Case Title: In Re: Illegal Sand Mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary and threat to endangered Aquatic Wildlife versus
Bench: Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta
Order Date: May 26, 2026