The Supreme Court has ordered a heightened vigil and strict prosecution to curb illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary spanning Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
A bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta slammed the states' "lackadaisical response" and warned of extraordinary measures, including paramilitary deployment and a complete ban on sand mining.
The court directed installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras, GPS tracking of mining vehicles, and deployment of patrolling teams in high-risk areas.
It also urged governments to invoke provisions on preventive detention, seizure, and confiscation of assets, and pursue stringent prosecution to tackle organised illegal mining.
The court posted the matter for May 11, directing the states to come out with concrete measures, failing which it may invoke its extraordinary jurisdiction.
