Supreme Court Mandates Stringent Measures Against Illegal Sand Mining in Chambal Sanctuary Amidst Fatal Attacks and Infrastructure Threat

[Synthetically Drafted | Lawssist-AI]

The Supreme Court of India has taken proactive measures to address the severe environmental degradation caused by rampant illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. The Court's suo motu cognizance, initiated on March 13, 2026, stems from alarming reports of habitat destruction for endangered species like the Gharial. The recent interlocutory application highlighted a disturbing escalation of illegal mining activities, marked by fatal attacks on forest personnel and a grave threat to critical inter-State infrastructure.

Key Background

Initially, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance on March 13, 2026, observing that habitat destruction in protected areas constitutes offences under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Notices were issued to the States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, along with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Union of India, and the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). Shri Nikhil Goel, Senior Advocate, and Ms. Rupali Samuel, Advocate, were appointed as Amicus Curiae. On April 2, 2026, the Court reviewed initial reports, granted time for responses, and importantly, stayed a notification dated December 23, 2025, issued by the State of Rajasthan under Section 18 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Furthermore, Original Application No. 248 of 2022 pending before the National Green Tribunal was transferred to the Supreme Court and tagged with the present proceedings, underscoring the gravity and widespread impact of the issue.

Emergent Issues and Incidents

The interlocutory application brought to light three critical and disturbing developments that necessitated immediate judicial intervention:

  1. Murder of Forest Guard Shri Harikesh Gurjar: On April 8, 2026, in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Forest Guard Shri Harikesh Gurjar, aged 35, was brutally killed during an anti-illegal mining operation. He was deliberately run over by a tractor-trolley transporting illegally mined sand, highlighting the violent and audacious nature of these operations.
  2. Murder of Forest Guard Shri Jitendra Singh Shekhawat: This was not an isolated incident, as another forest guard, Shri Jitendra Singh Shekhawat, posted in Dholpur, Rajasthan, was similarly targeted on January 8, 2026. He succumbed to his injuries on January 9, 2026, after being run over by a tractor-trolley while attempting to stop illegal sand mining. These recurring fatal attacks underscore systemic failures in law enforcement and administrative oversight.
  3. Threat to Structural Integrity of Inter-State Bridge: Large-scale illegal sand mining operations are being carried out dangerously close to, and even beneath, the pillars of a vital inter-State bridge on National Highway-44 connecting Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Reports indicate extensive excavation, including deep pits of 30-50 feet around pillars, which poses an imminent risk of structural failure and endangers public safety.

Court's Reasoning and Interim Directions

The Supreme Court, presided over by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, expressed deep concern over the