On April 17, 2026, the Supreme Court of India issued a directive addressing the rampant illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. The court emphasized the environmental crisis this activity has caused, posing severe risks to the gharial preservation project.
The court criticized the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh for failing to control illegal mining. It ordered the installation of high-resolution Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras on routes commonly used for sand mining. These cameras will be monitored under the supervision of district police and forest officers.
Justice Sandeep Mehta highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that illegal mining has created havoc in the sanctuary, threatening the government’s own conservation efforts. The court demanded immediate action, including the seizure of vehicles and prosecution of offenders.
The National Chambal Sanctuary, established in 1978, spans 5,400 square kilometers across three states. It is a crucial habitat for the endangered gharial, red-crowned roof turtle, and Ganges river dolphin.
The Supreme Court’s intervention follows its suo motu cognizance of media reports on illegal mining. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 11, 2026, indicating ongoing judicial oversight.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 18, 2026
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