Supreme Court Slams States Over Illegal Sand Mining In Chambal Sanctuary, Flags Threat To Bridge And Wildlife

The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a suo motu case concerning illegal mining activities in the sanctuary, which is home to endangered species such as the gharial.

Expressing strong displeasure, the Court questioned the failure of State authorities to curb the activities of the sand mining mafia. “It is happening under your nose… why at all is the State government existing?” the Bench remarked, adding that the situation reflected either total failure or possible connivance of authorities.

The Court’s observations came in the backdrop of a recent incident in which a forest guard was allegedly run over by a tractor transporting illegally mined sand. The Bench referred to the incident to underline the growing risks faced by enforcement officials.

Appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju informed the Court that a senior officer would submit a report on the incident. He also stated that a fact-finding committee had been constituted to examine illegal excavation near a bridge in the sanctuary.

However, the Bench was unconvinced. “Will the report come after the bridge collapses and people have died?” Justice Mehta asked sharply, questioning why preventive action had not been taken earlier. The State assured that a report would be filed within a week.

Senior Advocate Nikhil Goel, appearing as amicus curiae, apprised the Court that illegal mining had affected 8 out of the 34 pillars of the Ater–Fatehpur bridge connecting Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. He stated that sand had been excavated up to a depth of 25 to 50 feet beneath the pillars, posing a serious risk to the structure.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Goel informed the Court that approximately 5,000 people use the bridge ежедневно, raising concerns of a potential disaster if urgent steps are not taken.

The Bench noted that photographic evidence placed on record clearly demonstrated the scale of illegal mining. “The photographs are self-explanatory… it is extremely sad,” the Court observed.

Taking a broader view, the Court emphasised the need for immediate preventive measures. It suggested installation of high-resolution cameras on elevated poles to monitor vehicle movement in affected areas and proposed mandatory GPS tracking of tractors, loaders, and other machinery involved in sand transportation.

“Any vehicle that passes through the area must have a tracker,” the Court observed, indicating the need for real-time monitoring to curb illegal activities.

The Court also questioned the adequacy of resources available to enforcement officials, noting submissions that officers lacked sufficient equipment to confront mining mafias.

The matter has been reserved for orders, with the Court expected to pronounce its decision on April 17.

Notably, 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.” The Bench had indicated that comprehensive and stringent directions would be issued after examining the responses of all stakeholders.

Notably, 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. The bench had noted reports indicating that rampant mining activities were taking place in areas earmarked for the preservation of gharials.