SC directs Rajasthan govt, its collectors and SPs to stop illegal sand mining in state

Supreme Court on Wednesday took strong te of rampant illegal sand mining in Rajasthan and directed state government, its collectors and SPs to take immediate steps to stop it. Seeking an action taken report from state government within four weeks, bench heed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said illegal sand mining is likely to "dam environment irreparably".

bench, which also comprised justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, also directed apex court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to look into issue of illegal sand mining and submit a report suggesting measures to deal with it. bench said CEC would also consider problem faced by sand trers, transporters and or stakeholders and it will have authority to summon any person including government officials with purpose of holding probe.

bench said CEC will submit its report within six weeks. apex court was hearing a batch of petitions relating to sand mining in Rajasthan. apex court in 2017 h ordered stopping of illegal sand mining in Rajasthan.