The preliminary survey, conducted after the declaration of the Kopra wetland as a Ramsar site, has found two coal washeries and nine coal depots functioning within a five-kilometre radius of the protected water body. The findings have been forwarded to the state government through the District Wetland Committee for further action.

The Kopra wetland, spread across nearly 210 hectares (2.10 square kilometres), received Ramsar recognition seven months ago, becoming the only internationally recognised wetland in Chhattisgarh. The designation brought renewed attention to conservation efforts and prompted authorities to assess environmental pressures in the surrounding landscape.

Following the recognition, the Forest Department carried out a primary survey of the wetland’s catchment area and nearby industrial activities. The report covers industrial operations in Kopra, Belmundi, Saida and Sambalpuri-Bahatrai, where coal handling and processing activities are currently being conducted.

Officials involved in the survey noted that many of these locations are situated on elevated terrain. During the monsoon, rainwater runoff from these areas naturally flows towards the wetland catchment zone, raising concerns about the possibility of coal dust, suspended particles and industrial residues reaching the water body.

Environmental observers have pointed out that wetlands are highly sensitive ecosystems and even gradual contamination can affect water quality, aquatic biodiversity and bird habitats over time.

The survey has also highlighted the presence of coal infrastructure in areas immediately surrounding the Ramsar site.

According to the report, several coal depots are operating along the road leading to the wetland. Three of these depots are reportedly located adjacent to the wetland boundary itself. One depot is situated on the right side of the approach road, while two others are located on the left side.

In addition, a large coal washery is functioning approximately 500 metres from the wetland. The facility handles coal loading, unloading and processing activities, all of which have attracted attention because of their proximity to the protected ecosystem.

The findings have prompted fresh discussions on balancing industrial development with environmental conservation in mineral-rich regions of the state.

Forest officials clarified that the current document is a preliminary assessment intended to identify activities around the Ramsar site. The report has been submitted to the District Wetland Committee, which has forwarded it to the state government for further review.

The next stage will involve a comprehensive survey by a joint team comprising experts from the state government and central agencies. The detailed assessment will be used to prepare a long-term master plan for the conservation and management of the Ramsar site.

Officials said future decisions regarding environmental safeguards, monitoring mechanisms and conservation measures will be based on the findings of this detailed study.

The Ramsar Convention identifies wetlands of international importance and encourages member countries to ensure their ecological character is maintained. As a result, any activity that may affect the health of such ecosystems often comes under increased regulatory scrutiny.

For residents and environmental groups, the survey represents the first official acknowledgment of industrial activity surrounding the Kopra wetland. They now await the findings of the proposed detailed assessment and any conservation measures that may follow.

With coal washeries and depots operating near the catchment zone, the future management of Chhattisgarh’s only Ramsar site is expected to become a key environmental issue in the months ahead.

Despite the current slowdown, meteorologists remain optimistic that conditions could become favorable for the monsoon to advance again within the next 4–5 days, with progress likely resuming between June 21 and June 23.

Third Consecutive Year of June Slowdown

The western branch of the monsoon has faced interruptions in recent years as well. In 2024, its advance slowed for about 8–9 days during the second week of June. In 2025, it remained nearly stationary along the Maharashtra coast for almost three weeks.

Weather experts note that such pauses do not necessarily indicate a weak monsoon season. Instead, rainfall often becomes concentrated into fewer days, resulting in more intense downpours when weather systems become active.

Why Has the Monsoon Stalled?

Meteorologists attribute the slowdown primarily to the delayed activation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a crucial weather system that normally shifts northward by mid-June and helps draw moisture-laden winds toward India.

Satellite observations from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also suggest that El Niño conditions are beginning to develop, which can lead to prolonged dry spells and uneven rainfall distribution across the country.

While thunderstorm activity remains active over eastern India, cloud cover has been relatively weak across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of western India, slowing the monsoon's progress.

Monsoon Progress So Far

After arriving in Kerala on June 4, the southwest monsoon advanced rapidly through 19 states within 14 days. However, it has remained stalled near Bhadrachalam in Telangana for the past week.

As a result, monsoon rains have been delayed in several regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and parts of central India, where farmers are eagerly awaiting widespread rainfall for sowing activities.

Pre-Monsoon Activity Continues

Even as the monsoon remains stalled, pre-monsoon showers have been reported in several states, including:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Rajasthan
• Himachal Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh

Heavy rainfall affected parts of Bihar on Wednesday, while strong winds caused localized damage in Rajasthan, including uprooted trees and collapsed structures in Jaipur and Udaipur.

Heatwave Conditions Persist

The delayed monsoon has allowed heatwave conditions to continue across large parts of the country. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in several cities across:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Odisha
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh
• Maharashtra

The highest temperature recorded in the country was 45°C in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Rainfall Forecast

June 19

• Rain likely over Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim.
• Heavy rainfall expected in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karnataka.
• Thunderstorms and gusty winds likely in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

June 20

• Heavy rain expected in Sikkim, North Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya.
• Thunderstorms with strong winds likely in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Rainfall activity may continue in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

When Will the Monsoon Advance Again?

According to IMD, the current pause is linked to upper-atmospheric jet stream patterns, which are influencing the movement of monsoon clouds. Once these fast-moving winds weaken, monsoon currents are expected to strengthen and advance into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and adjoining regions.

Weather experts expect the next significant phase of monsoon advancement to begin by the third week of June, bringing relief from intense heat and improving conditions for agriculture across much of India.

Two South African cheetah brothers, Prabhas and Pavak, have emerged as a remarkable success story in India's ongoing cheetah reintroduction programme. Relocated from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in April 2025, the eight-year-old siblings have impressed wildlife experts with their coordinated hunting techniques, strong social bond, and ability to adapt to a new environment.

When the cheetahs were shifted to Gandhi Sagar, conservationists viewed their survival in the new landscape as a significant challenge. However, over the past year, the pair has not only survived but established a strong presence in the sanctuary, offering valuable insights into cheetah behavior and adaptation in Indian conditions.

According to forest officials, the brothers have displayed a level of cooperation rarely documented in such detail, making them an important subject of study for future wildlife conservation strategies.

A Unique Hunting Strategy

One of the most striking observations has been the brothers' coordinated hunting method, described by wildlife officials as a "split attack pattern."

During hunts involving prey such as chinkara, deer, or nilgai, one cheetah pursues the animal over a long distance, gradually exhausting it. Meanwhile, the second cheetah positions itself strategically along the anticipated escape route and launches a surprise attack.

Officials say this technique leaves prey with little opportunity to evade capture and has become one of the pair's greatest strengths in the wild.

Gandhi Sagar provides a strong prey base, including healthy populations of chital and nilgai, which has contributed to the cheetahs' successful adaptation.

Constant Protection and Teamwork

Experts have also documented what they describe as a "shadow protection system." When one cheetah feeds on a kill, the other remains alert nearby, monitoring the surroundings for potential threats.

On several occasions, the brothers have been observed sitting back-to-back, allowing them to maintain a watchful eye in all directions. Wildlife specialists consider this behavior an advanced survival strategy that enhances security in natural habitats.

Although Gandhi Sagar is home to leopards, the cheetahs were initially released into a large predator-proof enclosure designed to protect them from encounters with larger carnivores during the acclimatization phase.

Strong Social Bond

Another fascinating aspect of their behavior is what experts call "trust bonding behavior." The brothers are frequently seen grooming each other and remaining close together during periods of rest.

Officials have noted characteristics commonly associated with successful male cheetah coalitions, including cooperative hunting, mutual protection, staying together over long distances, and communicating through vocal calls when separated.

This strong social bond has played a key role in their survival and territorial establishment within the sanctuary.

Valuable Insights for Conservation

According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sameeta Rajoura, observations from Prabhas and Pavak are helping researchers better understand how cheetahs adapt to Indian ecosystems.

The brothers were relocated along with a nine-year-old female cheetah named Dheera. Since arriving in Gandhi Sagar, Prabhas and Pavak have reportedly made more than 100 successful kills and covered approximately 1,460 kilometers while exploring and establishing their territory.

Wildlife authorities believe the data collected from their movements and behavior will become an important component of India's future cheetah conservation and management strategies.

A Milestone for India's Cheetah Project

The success of Prabhas and Pavak is being viewed as a positive development for India's ambitious cheetah restoration programme. Their ability to thrive in a new environment demonstrates the potential for carefully managed reintroduction efforts and provides valuable lessons for future translocations.

As researchers continue to monitor the pair, their story is offering a rare glimpse into the adaptability, intelligence, and social dynamics of one of the world's fastest predators, while strengthening hopes for the long-term success of cheetah conservation in India.

Government cites April drone surveillance; says 44 vehicles seized, 12 arrests; next hearing on July 22

 The Madhya Pradesh government told the Supreme Court on Friday that a recent probe into alleged illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary found no evidence of fresh excavation, relying largely on drone imagery and ground inspections carried out after directions from the top court.

According to a sworn affidavit filed by the Gwalior circle forest conservator, teams inspected the sites identified in a Hindustan Times report and reviewed drone footage collected from the second week of April 2026. Initial reports indicated the pits mentioned in the newspaper were remnants of old mining activity and not the result of any new operations after the court’s earlier orders, the government said.

Drone surveillance cited

The affidavit said continuous drone monitoring since mid-April showed no new digging at the locations flagged in the media report. “The drone images were used to form a conclusion that after the court’s directions there was no fresh excavation,” the filing said, according to court papers submitted by the state.

Officials told the bench — comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, who heard the matter on Friday — that tractors seen carrying sand in some drone frames likely contained material from pre-existing trader stockpiles rather than newly excavated sand. The state added that action is being contemplated against traders for illegal storage and transportation where warranted.

Enforcement steps outlined

The government also gave a tally of enforcement measures taken so far. It said 12 persons have been arrested in connection with illegal mining and transportation; 44 vehicles suspected to be engaged in unauthorised sand movement have been seized; and eight vehicles have been formally confiscated (rajasat). Several FIRs and preliminary crime reports have been lodged against unregistered vehicles and other offences, the filing noted.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the state in court, assured the bench that stringent surveillance would continue across the Chambal sanctuary and that the government would take steps to prevent any recurrence of illegal sand extraction. He said necessary measures related to monitoring and supervision would be expedited.

Background to court action

The Supreme Court began pressing the three affected states after a Hindustan Times story on alleged continuing illegal sand mining in the sanctuary prompted the court to seek a formal reply from Madhya Pradesh on May 26. In earlier orders, the court had expressed concern that illegal mining in the Chambal had evolved into an organised network, criticising the operation of unregistered vehicles, vacancies in forest staff positions, and gaps in monitoring that could have exacerbated environmental harm.

In its detailed directions, the court had asked states to step up CCTV coverage, seize vehicles implicated in illicit mining, take action against those responsible, and file progress reports every two months.

State, centre to file fresh reports

The matter has been tagged for the next hearing on July 22, when the Supreme Court directed Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh — along with the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) — to present fresh factual reports on measures taken. Officials said the July listing will also consider updated surveillance data and enforcement outcomes.

On the ground, local forest officials in Morena and adjacent districts said patrolling has been intensified, with frequent night and early-morning checks aimed at intercepting unauthorised movements along riverine stretches. Sources familiar with enforcement work said the drone operation has been complemented by selective on-site inspections and checks of sand depots.

Public and environmental stakes

Environmentalists and residents in river-adjacent villages have long warned that unchecked sand mining damages riverine habitats, threatens species such as the gharial and Indian skimmer, and increases erosion risks. The court’s continued oversight reflects those concerns and the broader legal push to balance livelihood pressures against conservation obligations.

The state’s assertion that no fresh mining was detected will be scrutinised when parties return to court in July. For now, the government has promised accelerated monitoring and further legal action against alleged illegal storage and transporters of sand.