The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over rampant illegal sand mining in and around the National Chambal Sanctuary, observing that the situation reflects a failure of governance and poses a grave threat to protected wildlife.
The matter relates to large-scale illegal mining activities across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, affecting ecologically sensitive zones inhabited by endangered aquatic species. During the hearing, the Court was apprised of reports, including those of the Amicus Curiae and the CEC, highlighting continued violations despite statutory prohibitions.
Taking note of affidavits filed by State authorities, the Court was particularly critical of their inability to curb illegal mining. It observed, “For a State government and NGT to come and tell a judicial authority that we don’t have guns and those who are doing mafia work have better guns than us… this is an extremely sad state of affairs.”
The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Sndeep Mehta went on to remark that such submissions indicate a breakdown of law enforcement, stating, “The State government has thrown in the towel… the State says that we can’t defend our natural resources.”
The Court was also informed of the scale of illegal operations, including the movement of heavy machinery and the transportation of sand in large volumes. Noting these submissions, the Bench recorded that “one thousand trucks a day” were allegedly involved, even passing through enforcement checkpoints without restraint.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Court observed that illegal mining mafias have effectively replaced traditional forms of organised crime. It remarked, “These are the dacoits now the traditional mode of dacoity is replaced by this Sand Mafia.”
The Bench also expressed concern over the impact of the proposed denotification of certain areas adjoining the sanctuary. It was submitted that once denotified, such land would become vulnerable to exploitation as ordinary revenue land, thereby undermining conservation efforts.
On the issue of enforcement, the Court noted that the State cannot justify inaction on the grounds of local dependence on mining, emphasising that it is the obligation of the government to provide alternative livelihoods and protect natural resources, particularly when endangered species are involved. Indicating the need for strong intervention, the Court observed that extraordinary measures may be required, including strict regulatory action to halt illegal activities if necessary.
Importantly, the Court stayed the operation of a Rajasthan government notification dated December 23, 2025 (notified on March 9, 2026) issued under Section 18 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Bench found that the notification did not meet statutory requirements, observing, “Your notification has not passed muster through the required statutory requirements.” The Court further directed that no further action be taken pursuant to the notification until further orders.
On the procedural side, the Court granted time to the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to file their responses to the reports submitted by the Amicus Curiae and the CEC within four weeks.
The CEC was also granted additional time to file a detailed report after conducting a ground-level assessment. The Court directed that additional stakeholders, including the National Wildlife Board, be impleaded, and called upon the Ministry of Environment to place its stand on record.
To avoid multiplicity of proceedings, the Court directed the transfer of the records of a related matter pending before the National Green Tribunal to itself.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 11, 2026.