Arrest the grief: On illegal sand mining in central India
The Hindu·3h ago·Anger
What Happened
Illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary threatens critically endangered species including gharials, red-crowned roofed turtles, and Ganges river dolphins. The Supreme Court has called sand-mining syndicates "modern dacoits." Between 2017 and 2024, miners killed forest guards and police using weapons and vehicles. Three states—Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh—have struggled to enforce bans. The mafia exploits jurisdiction gaps and recruits local villagers. Courts blocked legalization proposals from two states.
Key Entities
National Chambal Gharial SanctuarySupreme Court of IndiaRajasthanMadhya PradeshUttar PradeshNational Green TribunalgharialGanges river dolphinJustice Sandeep Mehta