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.