The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of reports of illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta held that the activity poses a serious threat to endangered aquatic wildlife, including the critically endangered Gharial.
During the hearing, the Bench referred to recent newspaper reports and a report submitted by the CSR, which indicated that large-scale sand mining is taking place in protected areas where gharial conservation programmes are underway. The Court noted that the mining activity is forcing gharials to move away from their natural habitat.
The Bench directed that the matter be placed before the Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant for further directions.
Illegal sand mining has long been a serious issue in the Chambal River region, which stretches across parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
The Chambal sanctuary is among the last remaining habitats of the gharial. It is also home to several other aquatic species, including the Gangetic dolphin and the Indian skimmer.
Reports and field investigations over the past year have pointed to the continued operation of organised sand mining networks in the region, despite restrictions. These groups have often been accused of threatening officials and local residents.
In several instances, forest officials and police personnel trying to stop illegal mining have reportedly been attacked, highlighting the seriousness of the problem.
Authorities have carried out periodic enforcement drives and seized large quantities of illegally mined sand in the Chambal region. However, officials say the practice continues due to organised mining networks and the high demand for sand in the construction sector.
Environmental experts warn that excessive sand extraction from riverbeds can damage nesting grounds and disturb the natural flow of rivers. This poses a significant risk to species like the gharial, which depend on undisturbed sandbanks for breeding and survival.