The Supreme Court has issued strict directions including CCTV monitoring and GPS tracking to stop illegal sand mining in the Chambal Sanctuary. It warned of harsh action, including a complete mining ban and central force deployment, if authorities fail to act.
The Supreme Court of India on Friday issued strict and detailed directions to stop illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, warning that if authorities fail to act properly, it may take extreme steps such as deploying central forces or imposing a complete ban on mining.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta observed that illegal sand mining has reached alarming levels and has created an “environmental crisis”. The Court highlighted that such activities are not only damaging the river ecosystem but are also a serious threat to wildlife, especially the critically endangered gharial species.
To address the issue, the Court directed the States of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to install high-resolution CCTV cameras in sensitive areas along the river and on routes commonly used for illegal mining. It stressed that the installation must be done carefully “to minimize ecological disturbance” and must follow environmental protection rules, especially those related to riverbeds and forest areas.
The Court further ordered that the live footage from these cameras must be directly monitored by district-level police and forest officials. It made it clear that if any illegal activity is noticed, authorities will have a “mandatory obligation” to take immediate action, including deploying enforcement teams and initiating legal proceedings without delay.
In addition, the Court introduced a pilot system for better tracking of mining activities. It directed that GPS tracking devices must be installed in all vehicles and machines used for mining in key districts such as Morena in Madhya Pradesh and Dholpur in Rajasthan.
According to the Court, this will help ensure “effective surveillance as well as complete traceability” of mining operations. Depending on its success, this system may later be expanded to other affected areas.
Taking a strong stance, the Bench also ordered immediate seizure of vehicles and machinery involved in illegal mining. It clearly stated that such seized equipment will not be released without prior permission from the Court. The Court also instructed authorities to calculate and recover environmental compensation from violators in a “scientific, transparent and objective manner”, following the polluter pays principle.
To improve enforcement, the Court directed the formation of joint patrol teams consisting of police and forest officials in all affected districts. These teams are to operate 24/7, especially in high-risk areas, and must be equipped with modern surveillance tools, communication systems, protective equipment, and necessary arms to deal with organized and possibly violent mining groups.
The Court also ordered the States to prepare a clear, uniform, and time-bound Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to tackle illegal mining. This SOP should cover all aspects including handling cases involving “organized violent or armed resistance.” It must include clear guidelines for interception, seizure, arrests, emergency response, inter-state coordination, and real-time sharing of information.
Expressing strong dissatisfaction with the authorities, the Court remarked that the
“statutory framework is well armed to deal with the mining mafias, but apparently the administrative authorities are dragging their feet.”
It further stated that the “utter failure” of state governments to perform their duties was clearly visible and raised serious doubts about their commitment to environmental protection.
The Bench warned that any “dereliction of duty, negligence, inaction or failure” in following its directions will lead to strict action, including personal accountability of officers and possible contempt proceedings.
In a strong warning, the Court said that if the situation does not improve, it may use its extraordinary powers to deploy paramilitary forces, completely ban sand mining, or impose heavy penalties on the defaulting states.
It observed,
“The issues… transcend mere questions of regulatory compliance and strike at the very heart of environmental governance.”
The Court has directed the States to submit detailed compliance reports before the next hearing, explaining the steps taken and timelines for full implementation. The matter will be heard next on May 11.
This order comes after a series of strong observations made by the Court in earlier hearings. On April 13, the Court had sharply criticised the States of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan over illegal mining in the sanctuary, questioning their failure to control the situation.
It had remarked,
“It is happening under your nose… why at all is the State government existing?”
and noted that the situation showed either complete failure or possible involvement of authorities.
In earlier proceedings, the Court had also stayed a notification by the Rajasthan government that attempted to de-notify 732 hectares of the Chambal Sanctuary without proper approval, stating that such unilateral action was not permissible.
In March, the Court had again criticised authorities in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh for continued illegal mining, warning that officials could be held responsible for damage to protected wildlife habitats due to their “lethargy and inaction.”
The case began on March 13 when the Court took suo motu cognisance of reports of illegal sand mining in the sanctuary. It expressed serious concern about the threat to aquatic wildlife, particularly the gharial, noting that mining was happening even in areas meant for their protection.
The Chambal River remains one of the few relatively untouched rivers in northern India and is home to the world’s largest surviving population of gharials, which are listed as critically endangered.
Case Title:
In Re: Illegal Sand Mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary and threat to endangered Aquatic Wildlife
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