The Supreme Court of India strongly criticised authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for failing to curb illegal sand mining, calling it a “sad state of affairs.” The Court raised serious concerns over officer safety, environmental damage, and possible State-mafia collusion.
The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised State authorities after the tragic death of a forest guard in Morena, who was allegedly run over by a tractor linked to illegal sand mining activities. The incident has once again highlighted the growing threat posed by sand mining mafias in the Chambal sanctuary region.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed serious concern over the failure of State machinery to control such unlawful activities and to ensure the safety of its own officers as well as natural resources.
During the hearing, the Court made sharp remarks against the State government, stating,
“It is happening under your nose. Affidavits say you don’t have weapons. Why at all the state government is existing? It’s a very peculiar thing. These excavators and bulldozers which mining mafia uses they are secular. They don’t see the caste of the person they are killing. As against… we should stop there. Extremely sad state of affairs. The State governments have totally failed. Or rather they are in connivance.”
This observation came after the Madhya Pradesh government recently admitted before the Court that its officers do not have sufficient weapons to tackle the illegal sand mining mafia operating in the Chambal region.
The Court was hearing a suo motu case concerning illegal sand mining across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, focusing on environmental damage and law enforcement failures.
During the proceedings, the Court was informed about a serious structural threat to the Ater–Fatehpur bridge. It was revealed that illegal sand mining is taking place near 8 out of the 34 pillars of the bridge, which is used daily by more than 5,000 people.
Amicus curiae Senior Advocate Nikhil Goel submitted alarming details, stating that large-scale excavation had taken place beneath the bridge. According to him,
“8 out of 34 pillars of the Chambal bridge have been affected, and about 25 to 50 feet of sand has been dug out from beneath the pillars,”
raising serious concerns about public safety.
Reacting to the visuals and evidence presented, the Court remarked,
“We have seen the pictures. They are absolutely shocking,”
indicating the gravity of the situation.
Earlier, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the State, informed the Bench that the forest guard’s death is currently under investigation. He further stated that a fact-finding committee has been formed to look into illegal mining under the Ater–Fatehpur bridge and that a report would be submitted soon.
However, the Court questioned the delay and urgency of the matter, asking,
“That report will come after the bridge has collapsed and people have died?”
In response, the State assured the Court,
“We will give it within one week,”
promising a timely submission of findings.
The Bench also questioned how such large-scale illegal mining was allowed to continue unchecked, raising serious doubts about administrative accountability. It asked,
“Why did you allow it to happen? Are the officials of the State blind?”
Highlighting the need for immediate preventive action, the Court suggested the use of modern technology to curb illegal activities. It proposed installing high-resolution cameras on elevated poles in sensitive areas to monitor vehicle movement involved in sand mining.
Additionally, the Court recommended the mandatory installation of GPS tracking systems in all tractors, loaders, and earthmoving equipment operating in the affected districts to ensure proper surveillance and control.
Emphasising strict monitoring, the Court stated,
“Any vehicle that passes through the area, it has to have a tracker,”
underlining the importance of accountability and real-time tracking.
The Bench directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) along with State authorities to explore practical solutions for implementing these measures effectively. The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing on April 17.
This case brings into focus not only the environmental damage caused by illegal sand mining but also the serious risks posed to public infrastructure and human lives, raising urgent questions about governance, enforcement, and accountability.
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