Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Supreme Court Seeks Report, Orders Halt to Riverbed Sand Mining
The Supreme Court is concerned that sand is being taken illegally from riverbeds.
The court said this can change how rivers flow and harm the plants and animals that live there.
It asked an environmental committee to study the problem and report back.
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh must explain within two weeks how they are following earlier court orders.
The case focuses in part on illegal mining around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.
The court also wants Madhya Pradesh to answer claims about mining in the Ken River.
A forest ranger in Rajasthan was recently killed after allegedly being hit by a dumper while trying to stop illegal mining.
Earlier orders called for stronger enforcement and action against people involved in illegal mining networks.
The Supreme Court called riverbed sand mining disastrous for river flow and ecosystems and said it must stop.
The court asked the Central Empowered Committee to prepare a specific report on riverbed sand mining.
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh must file compliance affidavits within two weeks on safeguards around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.
The court also asked Madhya Pradesh to respond to allegations of illegal mining in the Ken River in Panna district.
The hearing addressed illegal mining networks and the recent death of a forest ranger allegedly struck by a dumper in Rajasthan.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, the Central Empowered Committee, and the governments of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- What
- The court sought a report on riverbed sand mining and compliance affidavits on safeguards against illegal mining.
- When
- The court issued its directions on Tuesday and set a two-week deadline for the affidavits; the matter was listed for November 4.
- Where
- The case concerns riverbeds and areas around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, including the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- The court said riverbed sand mining harms river flow and ecosystems and expressed concern about illegal mining and its effects on wildlife.
- Reporting body
- The Central Empowered Committee was asked to provide a specific report on riverbed sand mining.
- States directed
- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Affidavit deadline
- Within two weeks.
- Protected area
- The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is a 5,400-square-kilometre protected area across three states.
- Additional river matter
- Madhya Pradesh was asked to respond to allegations of illegal sand mining in the Ken River in Panna district.
- Next hearing
- November 4.
- Earlier enforcement direction
- The court had called for action against drivers and other people connected to organised illegal mining networks.