SC slams Rajasthan govt over illegal sand mining

The Supreme Court has issued a significant stay order on Rajasthan's notification to de-notify 732 hectares of the National Chambal Sanctuary. This move comes as a strong rebuke to the state government for allegedly facilitating illegal sand mining.

The apex court did not mince words, characterizing the perpetrators of illegal sand mining as "dacoits" and noting that numerous government officials, including sub-divisional magistrates and policemen, have been killed in Rajasthan by these mining mafias. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed grave concern over the potential extinction of gharials and other aquatic animals due to such activities.

The National Chambal Sanctuary, a vital tri-state protected area, is home to endangered species such as the gharial, red-crowned roof turtle, and Ganges river dolphin. The court found Rajasthan's notification to have failed statutory requirements and warned that de-notification of protected land for endangered species would not be permitted.

The court also noted the absence of an eco-sensitive zone definition by Rajasthan and observed that such de-notifications often occur to convert protected land into revenue land. Videos depicting earth movers operating near police stations and mining outposts were described as "terrifying." The bench has directed the three states involved and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to respond to reports filed by the amicus curiae and the Central Empowered Committee within four weeks.

In the interim, the notification dated December 23, 2025, issued by Rajasthan and notified on March 9, 2026, remains stayed. The Supreme Court also ordered that the matter pending before the National Green Tribunal be transferred to the apex court for consolidated hearing on May 11.