The Supreme Court sought the Central government’s response on a petition challenging the Wetlands Rules, 2017 definition of “wetland,” with petitioners alleging vagueness weakened environmental safeguards for ecologically sensitive areas, while directing the Union government and National Wetlands Committee to respond by August 10.
The Supreme Court issued directions to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to curb illegal sand mining around the National Chambal Sanctuary, stressing protection of ecologically sensitive habitats and endangered wildlife while addressing socio-economic causes behind rampant mining activities in the Chambal region.
