The Supreme Court of India has issued comprehensive directives aimed at addressing illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, impacting the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta emphasized both law enforcement and economic empowerment to mitigate the crisis.
The Court recognized the socio-economic pressures that drive illegal mining activities and instructed the states to prioritize job creation for local youth and economically disadvantaged communities in the sanctuary’s vicinity. The Court proposed involving these communities in various conservation activities such as afforestation, eco-tourism, eco-restoration, and surveillance initiatives.
The states were also tasked with exploring the introduction of specialized employment schemes, skill development programs, and initiatives aimed at generating sustainable livelihoods to decrease reliance on illegal mining. On the enforcement side, the Court mandated immediate bolstering of field-level security personnel within forest departments, urging a swift recruitment process to fill vacancies related to protection, surveillance, and patrolling duties. This recruitment drive should ideally be completed within a year, the Court advised.
In an effort to ensure accountability, Chief Secretaries from the respective states were ordered to provide affidavits detailing the steps taken to fill these critical enforcement positions. Additionally, the Court suggested the issuance of notifications under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to protect forest guards and frontline personnel engaged in anti-illegal mining operations.
This directive originated from a suo motu case on illegal sand mining across the three states, following revelations of ongoing violations despite prior Supreme Court orders. Amicus Curiae Nikhil Goel presented a Hindustan Times article during the hearing, highlighting continued illegal mining activities. The Court questioned Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing Madhya Pradesh, regarding the article’s claims. Although Raju had not read the article, the Court stressed the need for a response if the reported facts were accurate.
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To fortify enforcement measures, the Court ordered the establishment of an advanced surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV systems and control centers in the affected areas. States were directed to conduct continuous, coordinated crackdowns on vehicles and machinery engaged in unauthorized mining and transport operations. Immediate seizure and confiscation proceedings were mandated for vehicles operating without proper registration or with tampered identifiers, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The Court also stipulated that criminal charges should be pursued not only against drivers but also against those financially benefiting from illegal mining networks. Comprehensive investigations into FIRs and criminal proceedings are required to trace ownership networks and financial beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has been instructed to install high-resolution, night-vision CCTV cameras along the National Highway-44 bridge near the Morena-Dholpur border. The surveillance coverage is to extend one kilometer upstream and 500 meters downstream of the bridge, with access granted to relevant enforcement agencies.
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Additionally, the NHAI and state authorities must prevent dumping of waste into the Chambal River from bridges and nearby public infrastructure. The states’ Chief Secretaries are tasked with bi-monthly reviews of compliance with these directives and must file progress reports on enforcement and recruitment efforts.
The next hearing is scheduled for July 22, at which point the Court will assess adherence to its orders and the effectiveness of implemented measures.
