Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Illegal Sand Mining in National Chambal Sanctuary

The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognisance of illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, a protected tri-state area spanning Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The court expressed concern over the impact on endangered species, including the gharial, red-crowned roof turtle, and Ganges river dolphin. Reports indicate that mining activities have affected areas where gharials were recently released, prompting the court to refer the matter to the Chief Justice of India for further directions.