New Delhi, 14 May (H.S.): The Supreme Court reprimanded the Rajasthan government over the continued illegal mining in the Chambal Sanctuary. A bench presided over by Justice Vikram Nath summoned several state officials to appear in court on May 19.

The court directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Principal Secretaries of Mining, Finance, Forest, Environment, Transport, and Road Safety departments to personally appear in court. The court instructed all these officials to file personal affidavits explaining what actions they have taken to comply with the court's previous orders.

The Supreme Court expressed concern that vehicles and tractors in the mining area are not being identified despite unrestricted movement. The court also sought detailed information on steps taken to stop the transportation of illegal mining. Previously, on April 17, adopting a strict stance against illegal mining in the Chambal sanctuary, the court had directed Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to install high-resolution CCTV cameras and GPS tracking. The court had clearly stated that if any case of illegal mining comes to light, the concerned officials will be responsible for taking immediate action, sending teams to the spot, and implementing strict measures.

The court had stated that state governments must ensure high-resolution CCTV cameras are installed on tall poles in areas affected by illegal mining, and their live feed remains under the direct monitoring of the concerned district SP or SSP and forest officials. Considering violation of orders as contempt, the court had warned of strict action against erring officials.

The Supreme Court had directed these states to file compliance affidavits regarding the orders. The court had stated that GPS tracking devices must be installed in machines used in mining activities such as tractors, earthmovers, and loaders, enabling real-time monitoring of these vehicles. The court had clearly stated that any vehicle passing through the Chambal area must have a tracker installed to effectively control illegal sand transportation.

During the previous hearing, the court had strongly objected to the incident in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, where a forest guard was run over by a tractor trolley of sand mafia. Reprimanding Madhya Pradesh officials, the court had remarked that if the state machinery fails to protect its officers and natural resources, what is its purpose.

Illegal mining is happening right under the nose of officials.

On April 2, the court had made stern remarks on the damage to wildlife from illegal mining in the Chambal River, stating that mining mafia are the new dacoits of Chambal. The court had said that in Rajasthan, mining mafia are killing police, forest, and administrative officials. The Supreme Court had stayed the Rajasthan government's notification attempting to remove 732 hectares of land from the Chambal Sanctuary's protected area.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar