To end illegal mining, Madhya Pradesh plans to make it legal in parts of Chambal sanctuary

What is the News?

Madhya Pradesh government has proposed to open 292 hectares for mining in five stretches on Chambal and its tributary Parvati rivers.

The step is taken to free its forest department from devoting too much time, resources and efforts to fighting illegal mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary.

Note: Sand mining has been banned in the sanctuary since 2006.

What is the National Chambal Sanctuary?

The National Chambal Sanctuary was set up in 1979 as a riverine sanctuary.

The sanctuary is located on the Chambal River near the tripoint of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

The sanctuary is listed as an Important Bird Area(IBA) and is a proposed Ramsar site.

Ecological Significance of Chambal

The sanctuary is home to critically endangered Gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges River dolphin.

It is the only known place where the nesting of Indian Skimmers is recorded in large numbers.

Chambal supports 8 rare turtle species out of the 26 found in the country. Chambal is one of the cleanest rivers in the country. Chambal supports more than 320 resident and migrant birds.

Source: The post is based on the article “To end illegal mining, Madhya Pradesh plans to make it legal in parts of Chambal sanctuary” published in Indian Express on 21st June 2022.