Context: The Supreme Court has warned Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to take strict action against illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.
- The National Chambal Sanctuary is a tri-state protected area (MP, Rajastan, UP) known for conserving critically endangered species like the Gharial, Gangetic Dolphin, and Indian Skimmer.
- It is designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits activities harmful to wildlife and habitat.
- Illegal sand mining involves unauthorized extraction of sand from riverbeds, leading to riverbank erosion, habitat destruction, groundwater depletion, and biodiversity loss.
- Sand is classified as a minor mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and its regulation lies largely with State Governments.
- Environmental governance framework:
- Environment Protection Act, 1986 – umbrella legislation
- EIA Notification, 2006 – mandates environmental clearance for mining projects
- Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines, 2016 – regulate extraction
- The Supreme Court can take suo motu cognizance under its powers (Article 32) to protect Fundamental Rights (Right to Life – Article 21), which includes a clean and healthy environment.
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Chambal Sanctuary Mining: Supreme Court Intervention