HC directs govt to explain steps to curb sand mining in Chambal

BHOPAL: Gwalior bench of high court directed state government to submit a report on how illegal sand excavation can be stopped at Chambal national sanctuary, Morena, which is threatening the existence of the endangered ghariyal in Chambal river.
On Wednesday, during hearing of public interest hearing (PIL) filed by Gwalior resident Rakhee Sharma, her counsel Raju Sharma said illegal quarrying could be checked with help of satellite imagery.
Government counsel M P S Raghuvanshi told TOI that chief conservator of forest Dhirendra Bhargava told the court it was not possible to detect sand theft with help of satellites.
Bhargava told the court, according to Raghuvanshi, that it takes almost a month to get a satellite imagery report.
Justice UC Maheshweri and Sujoy Paul directed him to file an affidavit that satellite imagery cannot check quarrying and sought a detailed report by March 13 on how it could be stopped.
The petitioner said, there were 948 ghariyals in the river, according to 2013 census. “Also, there are crocodiles and species of tortoises and birds. They lay eggs on the river bank and also bask in the sun. Chambal is also home to fresh water dolphins,” he said.
According to the petitioner, 400-500 trolleys and dumpers are being used to illegally excavate sand from Chambal banks every day, threatening aquatic life.
He also pleaded that forest department be asked to take measures, including deployment of adequate force for safety of Chambal banks and provide adequate equipment like motor boats and weapons to stop quarrying.