The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over continuing illegal sand mining activities in and around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary and ordered Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to adopt stricter enforcement measures, including seizure of unregistered vehicles, installation of surveillance systems and recruitment of forest staff.
The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta observed that environmental governance cannot become “a reactive exercise” that starts only after judicial intervention.
Background of the Case
The matter was being heard in a suo motu petition concerning rampant illegal sand mining in the Chambal river region and its impact on endangered aquatic species, including gharials and river dolphins. Earlier orders of the Court had already directed the States to strengthen surveillance and enforcement systems.
During the latest hearing, the Court reviewed compliance affidavits filed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The Court noted that while some steps had finally been initiated, many measures were delayed and remained incomplete.
Court Raises Concern Over Delayed Action
The Supreme Court noted that Rajasthan had now sanctioned large funds for CCTV systems, check-posts and monitoring infrastructure. However, the Bench questioned why such measures were initiated only after senior officers were directed to appear personally before the Court.
“The chronology emerging from the record prima facie indicates that several crucial decisions… were undertaken only after judicial intervention assumed a more coercive and supervisory character,” the Bench observed.
The Court also said environmental protection measures could not be postponed for years while illegal mining continued on the ground.
Unregistered Vehicles Under Scanner
A major concern before the Court was the operation of vehicles without registration numbers or with fake number plates allegedly used in illegal mining and transportation activities.
The Bench found the existing enforcement framework inadequate and said merely imposing fines would not create deterrence.
“The operation of vehicles without registration particulars… constitutes a serious law enforcement concern having direct nexus with organized illegal mining operations,” the Court said.
The Court directed authorities in all three States to immediately seize and initiate confiscation proceedings against vehicles involved in illegal mining activities, including tractors, dumpers, excavators and loaders operating without valid registration.
Concern Over Chambal Bridge Safety
The Bench also examined illegal excavation near the bridge on National Highway-44 at the Morena-Dholpur border. The Court noted that unchecked mining near bridge foundations could threaten public infrastructure and safety.
NHAI informed the Court that inspections showed the bridge was presently structurally safe. However, the Supreme Court directed NHAI to install high-resolution CCTV cameras with night vision around the bridge area and ensure 24-hour monitoring.
The Court further ordered preventive measures to stop waste dumping into the Chambal river from the bridge.
Directions on Forest Staff and Environmental Flows
The Court also highlighted large vacancies in Forest Departments, especially among Forest Guards responsible for ground-level enforcement. The States were directed to expedite recruitment and fill vacant posts within one year as far as practicable.
In addition, the Court sought detailed responses from States and central authorities regarding maintenance of environmental flows in the Chambal river and the ecological impact of water diversion projects.
Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court issued a series of directions for immediate strengthening of surveillance, enforcement and environmental protection measures in the Chambal Sanctuary region. The Court ordered periodic review of compliance by Chief Secretaries of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and directed fresh status reports before the next hearing on July 22, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: In Re: Illegal Sand Mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary and Threat to Endangered Aquatic Wildlife
Case Number: Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No. 2 of 2026 with Transferred Case (C) No. 151 of 2026
Judge: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Decision Date: May 26, 2026
