Rajasthan Government Cracks Down on Illegal Mining in National Chambal Sanctuary

Jaipur, July 2026 : In compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court and recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee, the Rajasthan government has reviewed measures to prevent illegal sand mining and strengthen environmental protection in the National Chambal Sanctuary.

A detailed meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, discussed the establishment of a robust, modern and transparent mechanism to curb illegal mining in the sanctuary area.

The Chief Secretary said the state government was fully committed to ensuring timely and complete compliance with all directions issued by the Supreme Court. He directed the concerned departments to work in close coordination and adopt a coordinated approach to enforcement.

District Collectors to Act as Nodal Officers

V. Srinivas said the concerned District Collectors have been designated as nodal officers for preventing illegal sand mining, coordinating enforcement activities and ensuring implementation of the directions.

District Superintendents of Police have been tasked with dismantling illegal mining networks, identifying financiers, transporters and criminal syndicates involved in such activities, and ensuring strict legal action against them.

Technology-Based Surveillance and AI Dashboard

To make conservation measures more transparent and efficient, the Information Technology Department has been directed to develop an AI analytics-based intelligent online dashboard.

During the dry season, high-resolution satellite imagery and drone surveys will be used for monthly mapping of changes in the river course and identification of new mining sites.

In addition, CCTV cameras, PTZ cameras and AI-enabled thermal cameras will be deployed along major routes and bridges to strengthen surveillance.

Joint SOP and Surprise Inspections

The Chief Secretary directed the concerned District Collectors to issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) at the district level to strengthen coordination among enforcement agencies.

Joint teams comprising Sub-Divisional Officers, Tehsildars, police and forest officials will conduct surprise inspections every 15 days. Body cameras and GPS-enabled equipment will be used during these operations to ensure transparency and accountability.

Public Participation and QR-Based Complaints

QR code-based digital complaint platforms linked to the state’s Sampark portal will be displayed at sanctuary entry points, check posts and Gram Panchayat offices.

Local residents, fishermen and members of the public will be able to submit confidential complaints along with geo-tagged photographs and videos. A reward scheme will also be introduced for informants whose information leads to successful action and arrests.

Accountability to Be Reflected in APARs

The performance of officials in preventing illegal mining and complying with court directions will be reviewed regularly. The assessment of concerned district officials will also be incorporated into their Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs).

Administrative accountability will be fixed in cases where officials fail to prevent illegal activities in sensitive areas.

Protection for Frontline Staff

The government will expedite measures to provide security to forest personnel, including deployment of security forces and Home Guards. Necessary notifications under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, will be issued, while the process of appointing special public prosecutors will also be accelerated.

Environmental Protection and Alternative Livelihoods

The government will recover environmental compensation from offenders and seize vehicles repeatedly involved in illegal mining activities.

At the same time, efforts will be made to reduce local communities’ dependence on illegal activities by expanding eco-tourism, community patrolling and alternative livelihood programmes.

The state government has prepared a comprehensive compliance report, which is being submitted before the Supreme Court. The government has reiterated that no laxity will be tolerated in protecting the natural ecosystem and wildlife of the National Chambal Sanctuary.

Officials from the Forest, Mining, Revenue, Finance and Food departments, along with members of district-level monitoring teams, participated in the meeting through video conference.