Supreme Court ने National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary में अवैध रेत खनन के खिलाफ कड़े उपायों का आदेश दिया
26 May 2026 को Supreme Court ने Article 142 का हवाला देते हुए राजस्थान, Madhya Pradesh और Uttar Pradesh को National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary में अवैध रेत खनन के खिलाफ प्रवर्तन को सुदृढ़ करने का आदेश दिया। इन निर्देशों में वन कर्मचारियों की त्वरित भर्ती, CCTV निगरानी की स्थापना, अनरजिस्टर्ड खनन वाहनों की जब्ती, और कई व…
The Supreme Court on 26 May 2026 took note of a Hindustan Times report showing unregistered vehicles hauling sand in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary . The Court, alarmed by continued illegal sand mining, issued a series of directions to the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to strengthen enforcement, surveillance and prosecution. Key Developments States must recruit forest guards and frontline officials within one year to fill vacant posts. Installation of CCTV, integrated monitoring centres and high‑resolution cameras on the NH‑44 bridge near Morena‑Dholpur within six months. Immediate seizure and confiscation of all unregistered mining vehicles, including tractors, excavators and dumpers, under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 . Criminal prosecution of owners, financiers and contractors under the Bharatiya Naya Sanhita 2023 , the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act , and related statutes. Affidavits from state chief secretaries detailing recruitment, surveillance and protection measures. Installation of tamper‑proof fencing and anti‑dumping structures on the bridge, with 24‑hour CCTV operation and data sharing with police and forest departments. Exploration of special employment and skill‑development schemes for local communities to reduce dependence on illegal mining. Important Facts The Court invoked its powers under Article 142 to ensure swift implementation. The directions require recruitment of forest personnel within a year, CCTV deployment within six months, and continuous monitoring of waste dumping. The NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) is tasked with installing cameras c
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Key Insight
Supreme Court uses Article 142 to curb illegal sand mining in Chambal’s gharial sanctuary
Key Facts
- Supreme Court on 26 May 2026 ordered strict action against illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary (NCGS).
- The Court directed Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to recruit forest guards and frontline officials within one year to fill vacant posts.
- CCTV, high‑resolution cameras and an integrated monitoring centre must be installed on the NH‑44 bridge near Morena‑Dholpur within six months; NHAI will cover 1 km upstream and 500 m downstream.
- All unregistered mining vehicles – tractors, excavators and dumpers – are to be seized under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.
- Owners, financiers and contractors will face criminal prosecution under Bharatiya Naya Sanhita 2023, the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act and related statutes.
- The Court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution, which empowers it to pass binding orders for enforcement of its judgments.
- The directions emphasize the ‘polluter pays’ principle and propose skill‑development schemes for local communities to reduce dependence on illegal mining.
Background
Illegal sand mining in riverine sanctaries threatens the gharial, Ganges dolphin and other aquatic fauna. It reflects weak enforcement of environmental laws and the need for coordinated action across states, highlighting the intersection of ecology, governance and criminal law in the UPSC syllabus.
UPSC Syllabus
- GS3 — Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
- Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
- GS3 — Cyber security and communication networks in internal security
- Prelims_GS — Ecology and Biodiversity
- GS4 — Dimensions of ethics - private and public relationships
- Essay — Environment and Sustainability
- Prelims_GS — National Current Affairs
- Essay — Youth, Health and Welfare
- GS3 — Biodiversity and its Conservation
- GS3 — Environmental Impact Assessment