SC warns Rajasthan, M.P., U.P. over illegal mining in Chambal sanctuary, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has cautioned Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh regarding illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.
• The Court may deploy paramilitary forces if concrete measures aren't taken within a month, with the next hearing scheduled for May 11.
• The Court expressed concern over the degradation of wildlife habitats and the river ecosystem due to illegal mining.
• The Court directed the states to install CCTV cameras and initiate GPS tracking of mining vehicles.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of illegal sand mining, highlighting its severe impact on critical wildlife habitats, especially for endangered gharials.
• The Court expressed strong disapproval of the States' apparent indifference and inability to control illegal mining, noting instances of violence against forest guards.
• The Court warned of a potential complete ban on sand mining and imposition of heavy penalties on the States for failing to protect the ecosystem.
• As part of the directives, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are required to start a pilot project using GPS tracking devices on mining vehicles in Morena and Dholpur districts.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Suo Motu Cognisance: The power of a court to take up a matter on its own, without waiting for a formal complaint.
• National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary: A protected area established for the conservation of gharials and the river ecosystem.
• Gharials: A critically endangered species of crocodilian, native to the Indian subcontinent, inhabiting river ecosystems.