SC asks Rajasthan to stop illegal sand mining

New Delhi, February 19

Taking strong exception to rampant illegal sand mining in Rajasthan, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the state government, its collectors and Superintendents of Police to take immediate steps to stop it.

Seeking an action-taken report from the state government within four weeks, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said illegal sand mining was likely to “damage the environment irreparably.” The Bench — which also included Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant — was hearing petitions highlighting illegal sand mining in Rajasthan.

It also directed the court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to look into the issue of illegal sand mining and submit a report in six weeks suggesting measures to deal with it.

The Bench said the CEC would also consider the problem faced by sand traders, transporters and other stakeholders and it would have the authority to summon any person, including government officials, with the purpose of holding the probe.

“The governments never stopped illegal mining in the state. The BJP and Congress — both have been playing 20-20 cricket with people. It is not a hidden fact that ‘Bhu-mafias’ are very much active in the state,” a petitioner submitted. Earlier, the top court had in 2017 had ordered stopping of illegal sand mining in Rajasthan. — TNS

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