Overview
The Supreme Court has recently issued a stern indictment against the governments of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh for permitting illegal sand mining in and around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. The case highlights the clash between developmental pressures and environmental protection in a river system that is already under stress.
Key Developments
- The Court’s order comes after a series of petitions alleging that sand extraction continues despite a 2006 ban.
- A five‑member HPC headed by the Director‑General of ICFRE has been constituted to review the definition of the Aravalli hills and related ecological safeguards.
- The Court has directed the three states to ensure “environmental flows” in the Chambal, a measure aimed at restoring the river’s natural regime.
- Failure to comply may attract contempt proceedings and monetary penalties.
Important Facts about the Chambal River System
- The Chambal River originates at Janapav near Indore, on the south slope of the Vindhya Range.
- It traverses a rain‑fed basin bounded by the Vindhyan ranges to the south, east and west, and the Aravallis to the north‑west.
- Major tributaries include the Banas, Shipra, Kalisindh, and others, together draining the Malwa region of north‑western Madhya Pradesh.
- The river supports a rich fauna: two crocodilian s