In Re: Illegal Sand Mining In The National Chambal Sanctuary And Threat To Endangered Aquatic Wildlife vs The State Of Rajasthan

2026 INSC 745
REPORTABLE

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

INHERENT JURISDICTION

SUO MOTO WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 2 OF 2026

“IN RE: ILLEGAL SAND MINING IN THE
NATIONAL CHAMBAL SANCTUARY AND THREAT
TO ENDANGERED AQUATIC WILDLIFE”


WITH


T.C.(C) No. 151/2026




O R D E R


th
1. This Court, vide a detailed order dated 26 May,
2026, upon consideration of the compliance affidavits
filed by the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and
Uttar Pradesh, the report of the Central Empowered
1
Committee , the submissions advanced by the
learned Amicus Curiae , and the affidavit placed on
2
record by the National Highways Authority of India ,
undertook an exhaustive examination of the issues
concerning rampant illegal sand mining within and
Signature Not Verified

1
Hereinafter, being referred to as “CEC”.
2
Hereinafter, being referred to as “NHAI”.
Digitally signed by
NEETU KHAJURIA
Date: 2026.07.27
15:34:39 IST
Reason:
1

around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary and
its devastating impact on the fragile riverine
ecosystem. Having found that the persistent
ecological degradation of the sanctuary, destruction
of critical wildlife habitats, deficiencies in the
enforcement machinery, operation of unregistered
vehicles facilitating organised illegal mining, and the
threat posed to vital public infrastructure warranted
immediate judicial intervention, this Court issued a
comprehensive set of directions aimed at
strengthening surveillance mechanisms, enhancing
enforcement measures, and ensuring institutional
accountability through coordinated action by all
concerned authorities of the States of Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
2. By the aforesaid order, this Court, inter alia ,
directed the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
and Uttar Pradesh to undertake immediate
recruitment of frontline forest personnel; expedite the
establishment and operationalisation of CCTV-based
surveillance and integrated monitoring systems;
initiate stringent enforcement action against vehicles
and machinery engaged in illegal mining and
transportation activities; ensure effective
2

investigation and prosecution of organised illegal
mining networks; and strengthen inter-departmental
coordination for the protection and preservation of
the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. This Court
also issued consequential directions to the NHAI to
install advanced surveillance infrastructure,
including high-resolution CCTV cameras, in and
around the Morena-Dholpur bridge on National
Highway-44 spanning the Chambal River, and to
undertake necessary protective and monitoring
measures to safeguard the structural integrity of this
vital inter-State bridge from the continuing threat
posed by illegal excavation and sand mining activities
in the vicinity of its foundations and supporting
structures.
3. Pursuant to the aforesaid order, the concerned
authorities have placed on record their respective
compliance affidavits and status reports. The NHAI
has filed a comprehensive compliance affidavit
detailing the measures undertaken in furtherance of
the directions issued by this Court. The States of
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have
each filed affidavits through their respective Chief
Secretaries setting out the steps taken towards
3

compliance with the directions issued by this Court.
The State of Rajasthan has also filed a separate
affidavit on behalf of the Water Resources
Department, a reply to the interlocutory application
and a status report. The States of Uttar Pradesh and
Madhya Pradesh have likewise placed on record their
respective status reports indicating the progress
made in the implementation of the directions issued
by this Court. The Central Empowered Committee
has, in addition, submitted its Third Report dated
th
20 July, 2026, concerning illegal sand mining in the
National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, placing before
this Court its further findings, observations,
recommendations and assessment of the prevailing
ground situation.
4. During the course of submissions, learned
Mr. Nikhil Goel, Senior Advocate and
Amicus Curiae,
Ms. Rupali Samuel, learned Advocate-on-Record,
handed over a brief note comprehensively collating
the compliance affidavits and status reports filed by
the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar
Pradesh; the compliance affidavit filed on behalf of
the NHAI; the affidavit filed on behalf of the Ministry
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
4

3
Government of India ; and the Third Report of the
CEC, summarizing the steps taken by the respective
authorities pursuant to the directions issued by this
th
Court vide order dated 26 May, 2026.
5. Learned Amicus Curiae , has invited the
attention of this Court to the stand taken by the
MOEF&CC, in its affidavit. It has been submitted that
the Ministry has unequivocally stated that,
notwithstanding the recommendations of the
Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife
regarding de-notification of certain areas and
inclusion of additional areas within the National
Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, no de-notification shall
be effected without the prior permission of this Court
th
in view of the order dated 13 November, 2000
passed in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 337 of 1995. It has
further been stated that no new projects, except
drinking water projects where no alternative source
is available, shall be considered so as to maintain the
environmental flow. We place our on the
imprimatur
aforesaid undertaking given by the MOEF&CC in its

3
Hereinafter, being referred to as “MOEF&CC”.
5

affidavit and direct that the same shall be
scrupulously adhered to.
6. Our attention has thereafter been drawn by the
learned Amicus Curiae to the progress made by the
States in establishing surveillance and monitoring
infrastructure pursuant to the directions issued by
this Court. The State of Madhya Pradesh has
identified sixteen strategic locations for installation of
CCTV cameras, of which surveillance infrastructure
has been established at eight locations. The State has
also deployed two drones, twenty body-worn cameras
and twelve dash cameras, and has stated that the
process of integrating the surveillance network of the
Forest Department with the Police Control Room is
underway. The State of Rajasthan has installed fifty
CCTV cameras across thirteen locations, forty-nine of
which have been integrated with the Abhay
Command Centre. It has further identified one
hundred additional locations for video surveillance
during the current financial year and has proposed
installation of High-Range Surveillance Systems at
four strategic locations, namely Bhamroli, Moroli,
Rajghat and Mohanzu Temple, with the surveillance
network at Rajghat to be installed by the NHAI and
6

the remaining three by the State of Rajasthan. The
State of Uttar Pradesh has identified seven strategic
locations for installation of surveillance
infrastructure, subject to the availability of additional
budgetary support. We are, prima facie , satisfied with
the progress made by the concerned States except the
State of Uttar Pradesh in implementing the
surveillance and monitoring framework. However,
the timelines stipulated by this Court in its order
th
dated 26 May, 2026 shall be strictly adhered to and
the remaining works shall be completed within the
time prescribed therein. The State of Uttar Pradesh
shall forthwith ensure budgetary allocations to
ensure compliance with the directions of this Court.
7. The learned Amicus Curiae has also placed
before this Court the status of the enforcement
measures undertaken by the three States pursuant
to the directions issued by this Court. It has been
pointed out that the State of Madhya Pradesh has
reported detection of 1,247 cases, registration of 172
FIRs and arrest of 584 persons, besides seizure of
1,144 vehicles, of which only 17 have been
confiscated. It has further been stated that the
investigation has now been extended to vehicle
7

owners, sand traders and beneficiaries. The State has
also informed the CEC that seizure proceedings have
been initiated in respect of 384 unregistered vehicles
and that 849 vehicles have been notified on the
VAHAAN database for non-compliance with the High
Security Registration Plate requirements. Further,
five hundred and fifty-one facilitators operating
within Morena have been identified and proceeded
against under Sections 107 and 116 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973. The learned Amicus has,
however, pointed out that in the absence of details
regarding the extant period, nature of the offences
and other material particulars, it is not possible to
meaningfully assess the efficacy of the enforcement
measures. It has also been brought to our notice that
the State of Madhya Pradesh has prepared a Joint
Standard Operating Procedure involving the Forest,
Revenue and Transport Departments, which has
been recommended by the CEC for adoption by the
other States.
8. Insofar as the States of Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh are concerned, the learned Amicus Curiae
has submitted that the State of Rajasthan has
furnished data for the preceding eighteen months
8

indicating seizure of 923 vehicles engaged in illegal
transportation of sand. However, the State of Uttar
Pradesh has not furnished any comparable data and
the CEC has observed that there is an absence of a
comprehensive institutional framework for
enforcement in the State.
9. While certain measures have undoubtedly been
undertaken by the States, we are not fully satisfied
with the overall progress in strengthening
enforcement against organised illegal sand mining.
Significantly, despite the observations made and
th
directions given by this Court in its order dated 17
April, 2026, none of the States appears to have
seriously examined or considered the invocation of
the preventive detention laws against the kingpins
and habitual offenders engaged in organised illegal
sand mining. Such illegal mining operations not only
destroy wildlife habitats but eventually take a toll on
the ecology which directly results into threat to
human lives and the earth as a whole. We reiterate
that the States shall give due consideration to the
aforesaid aspect and take appropriate measures.
10. The learned Amicus Curiae has also apprised
this Court of the status regarding establishment of
9

checkposts and recruitment of frontline forest
personnel by the three States. It has been submitted
that the State of Madhya Pradesh has established, or
is in the process of establishing, sixteen permanent
checkposts and has operationalised twenty-two
temporary Police/Forest checkposts, with the CEC
finding the joint patrolling mechanism to be
satisfactory. The State of Rajasthan has established
forty-three permanent and twenty-three temporary
checkposts at vulnerable locations, though the CEC
has recommended periodic reassessment of their
locations in view of the constantly changing access
routes adopted for illegal mining. In contrast, the
State of Uttar Pradesh has not established any
permanent or temporary checkposts and has only
proposed the establishment of Van Chowkis subject
to budgetary allocations. As regards recruitment, the
State of Madhya Pradesh has initiated the
recruitment process for 1,111 Forest Guards and, in
the interim, has deployed Special Armed Forces
personnel and ad hoc watchers, while the CEC has
recommended immediate diversion of additional
Forest Guards from other Forest Divisions to the
Chambal area. Similar recommendations have also
10

been made in respect of the States of Rajasthan and
Uttar Pradesh, where the recruitment process is
stated to be underway. We expect all the three States
to expedite the establishment of the remaining
checkposts and to complete the recruitment process
within the timelines stipulated by this Court.
11. The learned Amicus Curiae has thereafter
pointed out the continued laxity on the part of
concerned States in issuing notifications under
Section 218(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha
Sanhita, 2023, despite the directions contained in
th
the order dated 26 May, 2026. It has been pointed
out that while all the three States have stated that
the proposal for issuance of such a notification is
under consideration in their respective Home
Departments, the interactions of the CEC with the
frontline Forest Officers and Forest Guards reveal
that they continue to feel handicapped and inhibited
in the discharge of their duties owing to the
apprehension of departmental or police action, even
where they act bona fide . The learned Amicus Curiae
has, therefore, submitted that the States ought to be
directed to take an expeditious decision on the
11

issuance of the notification within a stipulated
timeframe.
12. The response of the learned counsel appearing
for the respective States was sought on the aforesaid
issue during the course of the hearing, upon which,
Mr. S.V. Raju, learned Additional Solicitor General,
appearing for the State of Madhya Pradesh, fairly and
candidly submitted that the issue is likely to
consume time at the level of the State Authorities as
many administrative hurdles would have to be
crossed before a final decision can be taken.
13. Another issue of considerable significance,
highlighted by the learned Amicus Curiae on the basis
of the Third Report of the CEC, pertains to the
classification of substantial portions of the National
Chambal Gharial Sanctuary as revenue lands rather
than notified forest areas. It has been pointed out
that, from the total area of the National Chambal
Gharial Sanctuary, only 10.93 sq. km. out of 435 sq.
km. in the State of Madhya Pradesh, 187.44 sq. km.
out of 625 sq. km. in the State of Rajasthan and
246.15 sq. km. out of 922.57 sq. km. in the State of
Uttar Pradesh comprise notified forest land, while the
remaining 424.07 sq. km., 437.56 sq. km. and
12

676.42 sq. km., respectively, continue to be classified
as revenue lands and private lands. The CEC has
observed that this anomaly in the legal status of the
land has resulted in serious practical constraints in
the exercise of statutory powers by the Forest
Department under Section 52 of the Indian Forest
Act, 1927, including the seizure of illegally mined
sand, vehicles and equipment used in illegal mining
operations, thereby adversely affecting effective
enforcement within the National Chambal Gharial
Sanctuary.
14. In view of the aforesaid, the CEC has
recommended that the States of Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh initiate appropriate
proceedings for notifying all revenue lands falling
within the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary as
Reserved Forests under the applicable forest laws
within a stipulated period. According to the CEC,
such a measure would bring the entire National
Chambal Gharial Sanctuary under a uniform legal
enforcement regime, thereby enabling the Forest
Department to effectively exercise its statutory
powers and substantially strengthen the enforcement
framework against illegal sand mining.
13

15. We have also considered the compliance
affidavit filed by the NHAI. The learned Amicus Curiae
has submitted that the NHAI has taken substantial
steps towards implementation of the directions
issued by this Court by finalizing the estimates for
installation of high-resolution PTZ cameras, a 45-
metre-high surveillance tower equipped with thermal
imaging cameras at Rajghat, Dholpur, and other
surveillance infrastructure to ensure comprehensive
monitoring of the Morena-Dholpur Bridge and its
surrounding vulnerable stretches. The NHAI has
further undertaken to integrate the surveillance
system with the Police and Forest Departments of the
States of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and has
also initiated measures for installation of sound
barriers, repair/replacement of protective safety
mesh, sealing of vulnerable gaps and strengthening
coordination with the concerned authorities.
16. We are broadly satisfied with the steps taken by
the NHAI towards compliance with the directions
issued by this Court. However, as rightly pointed out
by the learned Amicus Curiae , the compliance
affidavit does not indicate any definite timeline for
completion and operationalisation of the proposed
14

surveillance infrastructure and other protective
measures. While the affidavit states that the timeline
would be communicated after the necessary
approvals are obtained, no concrete schedule has
been placed on record. We, therefore, direct the NHAI
to place before this Court, before the next date of
hearing, a definite timeline indicating the schedule
for completion and operationalisation of all the
measures proposed in its compliance affidavit.
17. The learned Amicus Curiae has further
submitted that, insofar as the welfare measures for
frontline personnel are concerned, the affidavits filed
by the States merely refer to the general welfare
schemes applicable to Government servants and do
not disclose any dedicated scheme for Forest
Department personnel engaged in the protection of
the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary and other
reserved forests. It has, therefore, been suggested
that the respective States should consider
formulating comprehensive welfare schemes
specifically for such personnel, providing, inter alia ,
employment security, insurance coverage,
compassionate appointment and other appropriate
welfare measures for Forest officials and their
15

families, having regard to the hazardous nature of
their duties in combating illegal sand mining and
other forest protection activities. The learned Amicus
Curiae has also highlighted that while the State of
Madhya Pradesh has taken a positive step by
approving 36 M-Sand Manufacturing Units and 12
licensed sand storage depots to ensure the
availability of legally sourced construction material,
thereby reducing dependence on river sand, similar
measures merit consideration by the States of
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to augment the
availability of alternative sources of sand for
construction activities.
18. On the basis of its assessment of the compliance
reports, field inspections and the material placed
before it, the CEC has made eighteen
recommendations. Of these, the first seventeen
recommendations pertain to the present proceedings
and encompass a comprehensive range of measures,
including strengthening of surveillance
infrastructure through installation of CCTV cameras,
PTZ cameras and AI-enabled thermal cameras;
periodic review of surveillance infrastructure and
checkposts; augmentation of frontline enforcement
16

personnel; creation of an integrated digital database
of habitual offenders; constitution of District
Enforcement and Monitoring Committees;
installation of AI-enabled surveillance systems by the
NHAI; notification of revenue lands within the
National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary as Protected
Forests; formulation of a scientific environmental
flow framework; annual scientific monitoring by the
Wildlife Institute of India; promotion of alternative
livelihood measures and eco-tourism; establishment
of M-Sand manufacturing units and licensed sand
storage depots; periodic review of compliance by the
Chief Secretaries of the concerned States;
formulation of a model Standard Operating
Procedure for prevention of illegal riverbed mining;
issuance of notifications under Section 218(3) of the
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; welfare
measures for frontline Forest personnel; and
strengthening the statutory powers of Forest Officers.
The eighteenth recommendation, however, is of a
distinct nature, whereby the CEC has suggested that
this Court may consider enlarging the scope of the
present suo motu proceedings to evolve a uniform
national framework for protection of riverine
17

protected areas against illegal sand mining and allied
activities.
19. We have given our anxious consideration to the
submissions advanced by Mr. Nikhil Goel, learned
Amicus Curiae ; Mr. C.P. Goyal, appearing on behalf
of the CEC; the learned counsel appearing for the
States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh, the National Highways Authority of India, as
well as the learned counsel appearing for the
intervenors. Having regard to the material placed on
record, including the Third Report of the CEC, the
compliance affidavits filed by the concerned
authorities and the issues highlighted during the
course of the hearing, as an interim measure and
with a view to further strengthen the institutional
framework for prevention of illegal sand mining,
enhancing administrative accountability and
ensuring effective inter-departmental coordination,
we are issuing the following directions to the States
and the authorities: -
A. The States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and
Uttar Pradesh shall, by the next date of hearing,
file comprehensive affidavits through their
18

respective Chief Secretaries placing on record their
response to the findings, observations and
recommendations contained in the Third Report of
the CEC, as also to the specific issues highlighted
by this Court in the preceding paragraphs of this
order. The affidavits shall indicate the decisions
taken, the timelines proposed and the concrete
steps contemplated for implementation of the
recommendations accepted by the respective
States.
B. Having regard to the stand taken by the States of
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
that the proposal for issuance of notifications
under Section 218(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik
Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is presently under
consideration in their respective Home
Departments, it seems unlikely that a decision
would be taken anytime in the near future. We are
of the considered view that there exists no
justification for any further delay on this aspect.
The duties discharged by Forest Officers and
Forest Guards within the National Chambal
Gharial Sanctuary are not confined merely to
protection of forests and wildlife. These personnel
19

are entrusted with the highly dangerous task of
safeguarding ecologically fragile and strategically
significant wildlife habitats from organised illegal
sand mining, poaching, and other unlawful
activities, which have serious ramifications not
only for the survival of endangered species and the
preservation of the forest and pristine ecosystem,
but also for public safety, the integrity of public
infrastructure and the maintenance of law and
order. The discharge of such functions is, in our
prima facie opinion, intrinsically connected with
the maintenance of public order within the
meaning of Section 218(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik
Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. In this background, and
bearing in mind the increasing attacks,
intimidation and obstruction faced by frontline
Forest personnel in the discharge of their
bona fide
official duties, we direct the States of Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to issue the
requisite notifications under Section 218(3) of the
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 before
the next date of hearing and place the same on
record by filing appropriate compliance affidavits.
20

C. The NHAI shall place on record, by way of an
additional affidavit to be filed by the next date of
hearing, a definite schedule indicating the
timelines for completion and operationalisation of
the surveillance infrastructure, including the
installation of CCTV cameras, AI-enabled PTZ
cameras, thermal imaging surveillance systems,
surveillance tower, sound barriers and all other
protective measures proposed in its compliance
affidavit.
D. The States of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh shall
examine the feasibility of adopting a
comprehensive Joint Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) for coordinated enforcement by
the Forest, Police, Revenue, Mining and Transport
Departments, taking guidance from the Joint
Standard Operating Procedure presently in
operation in District Morena, Madhya Pradesh,
with such modifications as may be necessary
having regard to local conditions. The decision
taken in this regard shall also be placed before this
Court by the next date of hearing.
E. The concerned authorities of the States of Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh shall also
21

positively and proactively examine the
recommendations of the CEC concerning the
notification of revenue lands within the National
Chambal Gharial Sanctuary as Protected Forests
under the applicable forest laws, formulation of
dedicated welfare measures for frontline Forest
personnel, establishment of M-Sand
manufacturing units and licensed sand storage
depots wherever required, strengthening of
surveillance infrastructure, and other institutional
reforms suggested by the CEC, and indicate their
respective stands thereon in the affidavits to be
filed pursuant to Direction A above.
F. The Chief Secretaries of the States of Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh shall
personally oversee compliance with the directions
issued by this Court and ensure effective
coordination amongst all concerned departments
so that the measures contemplated herein are
implemented in a time-bound manner.The District
Magistrate (Collector) of every district falling within
the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary shall be
designated as the Nodal Officer responsible for
preventing illegal sand mining within the
22

Sanctuary. The District Magistrate shall be
personally responsible for ensuring coordination
amongst the Forest, Police, Revenue and Mining
Departments and for implementation of all
directions issued by this Court.
G. The Superintendent of Police of each district falling
within the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary
shall be responsible for dismantling organised
illegal mining networks, identifying financiers,
transporters and criminal syndicates, and
ensuring registration of criminal cases under
appropriate provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya
Sanhita, 2023 (including Section 326); Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972; Indian Forest Act, 1927;
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation)
Act, 1957; and Prevention of Damage to Public
Property Act, 1984 wherever applicable. Failure to
take timely and effective preventive measures in
respect of identified hotspots, resulting in repeated
instances of illegal sand mining, shall entail
appropriate administrative accountability and
departmental action against the officers
concerned, in accordance with law.
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H. The concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrates,
Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars having jurisdiction
over revenue lands situated within the National
Chambal Gharial Sanctuary shall conduct joint
inspections with the concerned Forest Officers at
least once every fortnight and submit certified
inspection reports to the respective District
Magistrates. Failure to report encroachments,
illegal sand mining activities or other violations
detected during such inspections, or which ought
reasonably to have been detected in the discharge
of their official duties, shall constitute dereliction
of official duty and shall invite appropriate
departmental action in accordance with law.
I. The Annual Performance Appraisal Reports
(APARs) of District Magistrates, Superintendents
of Police, Divisional Forest Officers, Mining
Officers and Revenue Officers may be modified to
specifically include performance relating to
prevention of illegal mining, prosecution of
offenders and compliance with the directions
issued by this Court.
J. Where illegal sand mining is detected within
notified sensitive stretches despite prior
24

intelligence or recurring instances of such
activities, administrative accountability shall
ordinarily be fixed upon the jurisdictional Forest
Officer, Station House Officer, Mining Officer and
Revenue Officer, unless the officers concerned are
able to demonstrate that they had taken timely,
effective and bona fide preventive and enforcement
measures to avert such illegal activities.
K. Joint enforcement teams comprising Forest,
Police, Revenue and Mining Departments shall
conduct surprise enforcement operations at least

twice every week in identified vulnerable stretches
of the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. Such
operations shall be videographed using body-worn
cameras and GPS-enabled devices, and the
recordings shall be preserved.
L. The Chief Secretaries of the States of Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh shall
conduct monthly State-level review meetings,
including through video conferencing, with the
concerned District Magistrates, Superintendents
of Police, Deputy Conservators of Forests and
Directors of Mining, to monitor compliance with
the directions issued by this Court, review the
25

status of enforcement measures, seizures,
prosecutions and conviction rates.
M. Wherever large-scale organised illegal sand mining
syndicates are identified, appropriate references
may be made to the Enforcement Directorate, the
Income Tax Department and the Financial
Intelligence Unit for investigation into the financial
proceeds and money trail arising from such illegal
activities, with a view to dismantling the economic
foundations of organised illegal sand mining.
Action under preventive detention laws shall also
be considered in these situations.
N. Special Public Prosecutors shall be designated for
conducting prosecutions arising out of illegal sand
mining within the National Chambal Gharial
Sanctuary. Every endeavour shall be made to
ensure that investigations are completed
expeditiously and chargesheets are ordinarily filed
within sixty days and trials may be monitored to
ensure expeditious disposal.
O. In addition to initiating criminal prosecution in
accordance with law, the States shall take
appropriate steps to recover environmental
compensation, restoration costs and the value of
26

the illegally extracted minerals from the offenders
in accordance with the Polluter Pays’ Principle.
The States shall also ensure that vehicles,
machinery, boats and other equipment repeatedly
used for illegal sand mining are confiscated in
accordance with the procedure prescribed by law.
P. The States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and
Uttar Pradesh shall establish an Integrated Public
Reporting and Grievance Redressal Mechanism to
facilitate timely reporting of illegal sand mining
and allied activities. The mechanism shall include
a QR Code-based digital platform, with QR Codes
prominently displayed at all entry points, tourist
locations, Forest Check Posts, village
Panchayat
offices and other conspicuous places within and
around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary,
enabling local villagers, fishermen, government
servants and members of the public to furnish
information regarding illegal sand mining,
transportation of illegally mined sand, poaching,
encroachments and other environmental offences
by uploading photographs, videos and geotagged
information. The system shall provide for
confidential reporting, generate a unique
27

complaint registration number for every complaint
received, ensure prompt transmission of the
complaint to the jurisdictional Forest, Police,
Mining and Revenue authorities for immediate
action, and facilitate digital monitoring of the
action taken thereon by the District Magistrate.
The States may also institute an appropriate
incentive scheme for rewarding information
leading to the successful detection, seizure or
conviction of offenders, while ensuring the
confidentiality and protection of the identity of
informants.
Q. An Independent Monitoring Committee comprising
representatives of the Wildlife Institute of India,
Central Pollution Control Board, Geological Survey
of India and an independent technical expert shall
be constituted to undertake inspections of the
National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary at intervals
of six months and submit its reports directly to the
CEC.
R. High-resolution satellite imagery and drone
surveys shall be undertaken every month during
the dry season to identify fresh mining pits, newly
created access routes and changes in river
28

morphology. Any material discrepancy between
the satellite imagery or drone survey reports and
the corresponding field reports shall be promptly
examined, and, where such discrepancy is found
to disclose suppression of facts, dereliction of duty
or lapses in enforcement, appropriate
departmental inquiry shall be initiated against the
officers concerned, in accordance with law.
S. The States shall maintain a publicly accessible
online dashboard displaying, inter alia , the
number of cases of illegal sand mining detected,
vehicles and machinery seized, First Information
Reports registered, prosecutions instituted,
convictions secured, environmental compensation
assessed and recovered, and disciplinary action
taken against delinquent public officials. The
dashboard shall be updated on a regular basis to
ensure transparency, accountability and public
access to information relating to enforcement
measures undertaken within the National
Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.
T. Repeated failure of any district administration to
implement the directions issued by this Court,
despite adequate resources having being made
29

available and appropriate opportunities having
been afforded for compliance, shall be viewed
seriously and may be construed as wilful non-
compliance. In such an event, the defaulting
officers may be proceeded against in accordance
with law.
20. The eighteenth recommendation of the CEC
pertains to the enlargement of the scope of the
present suo motu proceedings so as to facilitate the
evolution of a uniform national framework for the
protection of riverine protected areas against illegal
sand mining and allied activities. Since the said
recommendation raises issues of considerable
importance having wider ramifications extending
beyond the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, we
deem it appropriate to defer our consideration of the
same. The question of expanding the scope of the
present suo motu proceedings shall be considered on
the next date of hearing after the responses of the
concerned States, NHAI and MOEF&CC are placed on
record.
21. A copy of this order shall forthwith be
transmitted to the Chief Secretaries of the States of
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Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for
ensuring compliance.
th
22. List the matter on 11 August, 2026 for further
consideration.


….……………………J.
(VIKRAM NATH)


...…………………….J.
(SANDEEP MEHTA)
NEW DELHI;
JULY 22, 2026.



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