Context:
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of threats posed by illegal sand mining to the National Chambal Sanctuary, highlighting concerns over its fragile riverine ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
- Location & Geography
- Situated at the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
- Extends along ~425 km of the Chambal River.
- Characterised by:
- Ravines, sandy banks, and hills
- Falls under Kathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion.
- Conservation Significance
- Also known as National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Primary objective:
- Protection of critically endangered Gharial.
- Supports:
- Largest wild population of Gharials
- Ganges River Dolphin (Endangered)
- Red-crowned roof turtle (Critically Endangered)
- Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
- Biodiversity
- Fauna includes:
- Mugger crocodile
- Smooth-coated otter
- Indian wolf, striped hyena
- Various freshwater turtle species
- Environmental Concerns
- Illegal sand mining leading to:
- Habitat destruction of sand-nesting species
- Alteration of river morphology and flow
- Threat to aquatic biodiversity
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Tri-state riverine sanctuary (MP–UP–Rajasthan).
- Key species:
- Gharial (Critically Endangered)
- Ganges Dolphin (Endangered)
- IBA (Important Bird Area): Identified by BirdLife International.
- Lotic Ecosystem: Flowing water ecosystem (river-based).
- Chambal River: Tributary of Yamuna River.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS III: Environment & Biodiversity
- GS II: Governance (Judicial Intervention)