Supreme Court Slams Lack of Firepower Against Sand Mafia

The Supreme Court has expressed profound concerns over Madhya Pradesh's inadequate response to illegal sand mining. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta highlighted the state's lack of action against a well-armed sand mafia as both astonishing and troubling.

In the suo-motu case regarding the National Chambal Sanctuary, the court noted the state’s failure to equip its forest officials adequately, which endangers both officers and invaluable ecosystems. The court emphasized the duty of governments to ensure safety and uphold constitutional responsibilities.

The bench demanded swift corrective measures, including technological improvements for monitoring and potentially deploying paramilitary forces to restore order. If ineffective steps persist, the court hinted at imposing strict penalties and considering a full ban on sand mining activities.