Sand mafia pushing Chambal gharials towards extinction:Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of illegal mining in protected zones

The Supreme Court has taken a tough stance against illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, warning that continued mining in protected areas is threatening the survival of endangered gharials. A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta took suo motu cognisance of the issue based on media reports and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports highlighting large-scale illegal mining and transportation of sand within the sanctuary. The court observed that despite a complete ban on mining activities in protected areas, illegal sand extraction and transportation are continuing unchecked. The bench said such activities are severely damaging the fragile ecosystem and putting endangered wildlife at risk. Even areas where gharials were released not safe During the hearing, Justice Vikram Nath made sharp observations about the deteriorating conditions inside the sanctuary. He noted that even the areas where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had released gharials as part of conservation efforts are no longer safe. According to the court, the natural habitat in these zones is being destroyed due to rampant illegal mining along the Chambal riverbanks. Gharials forced to abandon habitat The bench also expressed concern that the growing influence of mining mafias and the destruction of natural river habitats are forcing gharials to abandon their traditional territories. Justice Sandeep Mehta said the court had observed indiscriminate mining in areas where conservation programmes for gharials are being implemented. “Even in protected zones where gharial conservation programmes are underway, indiscriminate mining is taking place. As a result, gharials are being displaced from their habitat,” he remarked. Taking serious note of the matter, the bench said the case would now be placed before the Chief Justice of India for further directions and appropriate guidelines to protect the sanctuary and its wildlife. Ecosystem under threat The 435-kilometre-long stretch of the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary is home not only to endangered gharials but also to river dolphins, rare species of turtles and several migratory birds. The Supreme Court expressed serious concern that despite a complete ban on sand mining and transportation in the protected area, illegal activities continue on a large scale. The court noted that sand forms the foundation of the Chambal river ecosystem. Its removal is destroying the breeding and nesting grounds of gharials. Rampant illegal mining is not only threatening wildlife but also disturbing the ecological balance of the entire region. Sensitive zone at the tri-junction of three states The National Chambal Sanctuary, notified in 1979, lies along the borders of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It was established primarily to conserve the critically endangered gharial and protect the fragile river ecosystem. However, the court observed that instead of remaining a safe habitat for wildlife, parts of the sanctuary are increasingly becoming vulnerable to illegal mining operations and the activities of sand mafias.