The Crossbill News Desk
Expressing serious concern over rampant illegal sand mining in the ecologically sensitive National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, the Supreme Court of India on Friday (April 17) criticised State authorities for failing to effectively curb environmental violations across stretches spanning Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Hearing a suo motu matter on illegal mining activities, a Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta strongly reprimanded the concerned State governments, observing that their handling of the issue reflected a serious administrative failure, reported Hindustan Times.
The court described the situation as a “lackadaisical response” and remarked that the failure of authorities was “writ large on the face of record”, even raising concerns of possible “tacit connivance”. It also flagged what it called a “disturbing pattern of inaction and administrative indifference”.
To strengthen enforcement, the apex court directed authorities to enhance surveillance across vulnerable zones frequently used by mining operators. It ordered installation of high-resolution, Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras along sensitive river stretches and transportation routes associated with sand extraction.
The Bench further directed that, as part of a pilot initiative, GPS tracking systems be installed in mining vehicles and equipment operating in Morena and Dholpur, areas identified as particularly vulnerable to illegal activities.
“It is incumbent upon all concerned authorities to act with a sense of responsibility, urgency, and commitment, so as to ensure that the balance between development and environmental preservation is meaningfully sustained for present and future generations,” said Justice Mehta.
The court also mandated deployment of specialised round-the-clock patrolling teams equipped with modern weapons and communication systems in high-risk areas, noting that illegal mining syndicates often operate with sophisticated arms.
Earlier findings submitted by the Central Empowered Committee and the court-appointed amicus curiae had highlighted the large-scale nature of illegal mining operations, including incidents where forest personnel were attacked or killed by mining mafias.
Taking note of submissions claiming that enforcement agencies were outmatched by armed miners, the court termed such arguments “disquieting” and reflective of “shocking unpreparedness”, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated administrative action.
The proceedings signal a renewed judicial push to protect fragile riverine ecosystems and wildlife habitats in the Chambal region, with the court emphasising that environmental governance cannot be compromised by administrative apathy or weak enforcement mechanisms.
Hearing a suo motu matter on illegal mining activities, a Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta strongly reprimanded the concerned State governments, observing that their handling of the issue reflected a serious administrative failure, reported Hindustan Times.
The court described the situation as a “lackadaisical response” and remarked that the failure of authorities was “writ large on the face of record”, even raising concerns of possible “tacit connivance”. It also flagged what it called a “disturbing pattern of inaction and administrative indifference”.
To strengthen enforcement, the apex court directed authorities to enhance surveillance across vulnerable zones frequently used by mining operators. It ordered installation of high-resolution, Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras along sensitive river stretches and transportation routes associated with sand extraction.
The Bench further directed that, as part of a pilot initiative, GPS tracking systems be installed in mining vehicles and equipment operating in Morena and Dholpur, areas identified as particularly vulnerable to illegal activities.
“It is incumbent upon all concerned authorities to act with a sense of responsibility, urgency, and commitment, so as to ensure that the balance between development and environmental preservation is meaningfully sustained for present and future generations,” said Justice Mehta.
The court also mandated deployment of specialised round-the-clock patrolling teams equipped with modern weapons and communication systems in high-risk areas, noting that illegal mining syndicates often operate with sophisticated arms.
Earlier findings submitted by the Central Empowered Committee and the court-appointed amicus curiae had highlighted the large-scale nature of illegal mining operations, including incidents where forest personnel were attacked or killed by mining mafias.
Taking note of submissions claiming that enforcement agencies were outmatched by armed miners, the court termed such arguments “disquieting” and reflective of “shocking unpreparedness”, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated administrative action.
The proceedings signal a renewed judicial push to protect fragile riverine ecosystems and wildlife habitats in the Chambal region, with the court emphasising that environmental governance cannot be compromised by administrative apathy or weak enforcement mechanisms.
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