Home / Environment / Supreme Court Halts Destructive Riverbed Sand Mining
Supreme Court Halts Destructive Riverbed Sand Mining
7 Oct
Summary
- Supreme Court directed CEC to report on riverbed sand mining.
- Illegal mining threatens endangered wildlife in Chambal Sanctuary.
- Court demands compliance from Rajasthan, MP, UP on safeguards.
The Supreme Court has mandated the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to submit a report on sand mining activities occurring in riverbeds, citing their "disastrous effect" on river ecosystems and flow. The apex court observed that such mining cannot be permitted to continue without scrutiny. This directive comes as part of ongoing concerns regarding the environmental health of river systems.
The court has also ordered Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to present compliance affidavits within two weeks. These affidavits are to address previous directions aimed at reinforcing environmental and statutory protections within and around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a vital protected riverine ecosystem spanning approximately 5,400 sq km across these three states.
