Rajasthan can be ‘role model’ for other states in curbing illegal mining: SC

Jaipur: During the hearing of the suo motu matter concerning illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary and its impact on endangered aquatic wildlife, the Supreme Court appreciated the efforts undertaken by the Rajasthan govt and observed that the model being developed by Rajasthan to curb illegal mining could become a “role model” for other states in the country.

However, the top court made it clear that it would not be satisfied merely by plans and affidavits and that real and effective progress must be visible at the ground level.

A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta was hearing the matter. During the hearing, the court extensively interacted with senior officers of the state govt, including the additional chief secretaries of the home, forest and environment, and mines and petroleum departments, senior police officers, PCCF and the chief wildlife warden.

Rajasthan Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma said the state govt informed the court that immediately after the order dated May 14, the chief secretary convened several high-level meetings and established coordination among all departments. Continuous coordination meetings were held between the home, forest, mining, transport, finance and law departments, resulting in extensive action being initiated at the ground level, Sharma said.

The state further informed the court that district-level task forces were already constituted for the prevention of illegal mining in the Chambal Sanctuary area, and joint patrolling teams comprising officials from the police, forest, mining, transport and revenue departments were deployed.

Special enforcement drives are being carried out in Dholpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Kota and Bundi districts.

In its affidavit, the forest department stated that 40 sensitive and illegal mining-affected locations within the National Chambal Sanctuary area were already identified, where AI-based high-resolution CCTV surveillance systems are being installed for real-time monitoring through control rooms and command centres.

The court was told that installation of GPS systems in tractors, dumpers, excavators and other vehicles used in mining activities commenced and would be completed by July 31, 2026, in Dholpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Bundi and Kota districts.

The home department stated that continuous FIRs were registered in cases of illegal mining and transportation, arrests were made, and a large number of vehicles were already seized. The finance department informed the court that approximately Rs 65.47 crore was sanctioned for strengthening technological surveillance systems and enforcement infrastructure aimed at curbing illegal mining.

During the hearing, the court observed that increasing the strength of forest guards, rangers, and other field staff was essential for effective protection of forests and wildlife, and directed the state govt to expedite recruitment against vacant posts relating to forest protection.

The court, while expressing satisfaction over the detailed compliance reports submitted by the state govt, exempted the officers from personal appearance on future dates of hearing.