Enhanced control is now being exercised over the Chambal River, which flows through the Daulpur region in Rajasthan state, utilizing drones and police patrols. This river, previously frequently mentioned in connection with illegal gravel mining and transportation, is now under close scrutiny as part of an expanded monitoring system.
The strengthening of measures was undertaken by the government and administration to protect the Chambal National Sanctuary and ensure full compliance with Supreme Court directives. Observation is being conducted via drones in sensitive sections of the river, and the monitoring system is being reinforced with modern cameras.
The primary objective of these measures is to preserve the natural habitat of the Chambal River and the habitats of aquatic organisms. Following specific instructions from the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, senior officials from the forest department inspected the sanctuary in Daulpur. During the visit, Chief Forest Warden Pawan Kumar Upadhyay and Deputy Chief Forest Warden and Chief Conservation Inspector K.S. Arun Prasad inspected various vulnerable sections of the river.
Modern technology is being employed to prevent the illegal mining and transport of gravel in the Chambal National Sanctuary. Senior officials conducted aerial photography of various riverbanks using drones to closely examine the condition of vulnerable areas and assess the surveillance system. The officials who arrived on site also checked safety measures. A key part of the inspection was studying how effectively the directives issued under the voluntary petition of the Supreme Court are being implemented locally. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening the monitoring system for effective prevention of illegal activities.
In addition to drone flights, officials inspected the locations where modern PTZ cameras have been installed on the riverbanks. These cameras are a crucial element of the surveillance system. Progress on installation and related work was verified. An instruction was given to promptly bring the cameras to full operational capacity to make observation of the river's sensitive sections more effective. Thus, efforts are being made through drones, police, and modern cameras to strengthen control and halt illegal mining and transportation.
Following the inspection, an important district-level meeting was held with a target group. At this meeting, the full implementation of the Supreme Court's orders, improvement of interaction between various administrative departments, and enhancement of the effectiveness of the law enforcement and supervisory system were discussed. It was emphasized at the meeting that the unique ecosystem of the Chambal River and the natural habitat of its aquatic animals must remain protected. It was strongly recommended to continue strict measures against illegal activities. Key administrative and forest officials present during this inspection and meeting included: DFO Wildlife Tejass Vishnu Patil, DFO Territorial Chetan Kumar, ACF Wildlife Rajiv Sharma, and ACF Territorial Chetram Meena.
Previously, large-scale actions were taken in the Daulpur region against the illegal mining and transportation of gravel and stone in 2025. As a result, 246 cases were registered, 275 suspects were detained, and 260 vehicles were confiscated. Furthermore, 10,040 tons of prohibited Chambal gravel were seized. This data indicates the necessity of large-scale measures by the administration against illegal mining and transportation. Work to protect the Chambal River sanctuary zone and surrounding areas continues uninterrupted.
In 2026, the police also acted against the illegal mining and transportation of gravel. From January 1st to October 11th, 109 cases were registered. During this period, 150 suspects were arrested and 129 vehicles were confiscated. The police also seized 600 tons of gravel. Monthly data analysis shows a decrease in the number of registered cases: four cases were registered in May 2026, the number dropped to three in June, zero cases were registered in July, only one case was identified in August, and no cases were recorded by September and October 11th.
Nevertheless, these figures do not allow for the conclusion that illegal mining and transportation have completely ceased, but the reduction in registered cases is an important indicator in the context of supervision and administrative action. The problem of illegal gravel mining in the Chambal River arose previously. Earlier, in Daulpur (Rajasthan) and Murai (Madhya Pradesh), the gravel mafia attacked two forest workers, resulting in the death of both employees. Following this, the Supreme Court issued strict directives banning the mining and transportation of gravel.
Now, the administration is focusing on supervision and actions to ensure compliance with these directives. Part of these efforts includes drone aerial photography, installation of modern PTZ cameras, police action, and inter-departmental coordination. The task of preserving the Chambal River is no longer limited to taking measures, but also...