The Supreme Court of India has condemned rampant illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, calling it an 'environmental crisis' that poses a significant threat to the endangered gharial population.
The court has directed the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to install high-resolution CCTV cameras along routes frequently used for illegal sand mining and to ensure continuous monitoring of the feeds.
The authorities have been instructed to seize vehicles and machinery involved in illegal mining and initiate prosecution of those responsible.
The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is a protected area spanning 5,400 square kilometers across the three states and is home to the endangered gharial, red-crowned roof turtle, and Ganges river Dolphin.
The court's order was passed in a suo motu case and the matter will be heard again on May 11.
