Supreme Court orders stringent measures against illegal sand mining in National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary

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 covering up to 1 km upstream and 500 m downstream of the bridge. UPSC Relevance Understanding the Court’s use of Article 142 illustrates judicial activism in environmental governance (GS2). The case highlights the interplay of multiple statutes— Motor Vehicles Act , Bharatiya Naya Sanhita , and the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act . Candidates should note the “ Polluter Pays ” approach adopted for compensation. Way Forward States must fast‑track recruitment, complete CCTV installation, and ensure data sharing with enforcement agencies. Continuous monitoring, strict seizure of illegal vehicles, and prosecution of all parties involved are essential. Parallelly, providing alternative livelihood options and involving local communities in conservation can curb illegal mining sustainably.