Supreme Court Intervention in National Chambal Sanctuary

The Supreme Court, on March 13, 2026, decided to intervene to protect the fragile lotic ecosystem of the National Chambal Sanctuary. This sanctuary, located at the trijunction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, is a crucial habitat for the critically endangered gharials, or fish-eating crocodiles. The intervention was prompted by rampant and illegal sand mining activities threatening the sanctuary.

Background and Legal Action

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta took suomotu cognisance of media reports highlighting the threat posed by sand mining. The situation had deteriorated to such an extent that gharials had to be relocated from their natural habitats. However, even these new areas were not safe from the sand mining mafia.

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had already addressed this issue, prompted by a report titled ‘Digging up the Chambal’ by The Hindu in March 2022.
• Authorities were ordered to monitor and control illegal mining regularly.

Impact of Sand Mining

Sand mining poses a significant threat to the sanctuary, degrading habitats for sand-nesting species and affecting the river's morphology and water-retaining properties.

• Mining activities are well-organized and aggressive, with local enforcement agencies struggling to combat the mafia effectively.
• The report highlights the use of unregistered vehicles by sand mafias, making it difficult for authorities to apprehend the culprits.

Geographical Scope

The National Chambal Sanctuary spans a large arc of the Chambal River, covering nearly 1800 km across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. It is India's first and only tri-state riverine protected area.

• Approximately 600 of the 960-km stretch of the Chambal River has been declared as part of the sanctuary by the respective state governments.
• The Chambal sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was officially notified on December 20, 1978.

Biodiversity

Besides gharials, the sanctuary is home to diverse species such as Marsh Crocodile Muggers, several species of freshwater turtles (including the endangered Red Crowned Roof Turtle), Smooth-coated Otters, Gangetic River Dolphins, Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, Sarus Crane, and Black-necked Storks.