Madhya Pradesh to deploy over 100 guards, check posts to combat illegal sand mining at Chambal sanctuary
Surveillance measures include 35 CCTV cameras and AI systems, prompted by Supreme Court actions against the ongoing threat to wildlife and ecological integrity.
The Madhya Pradesh forest department plans to bolster security at the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary by deploying over 100 armed guards, establishing permanent check posts, and implementing an AI-based surveillance system to combat illegal sand mining, according to officials. Superintendent Shyam Singh revealed that 16 permanent check posts will be set up by September, along with 35 CCTV cameras to be installed at 44 sensitive ghats where illegal mining has been reported.
The decision follows the Supreme Court's suo motu action against sand mining in the sanctuary. Forest guards will be granted immunity for firearm use, and training sessions under police supervision will be provided to equip them with 12-bore pump-action guns. A total of 145 forest guards and 45 foresters from Morena division will undergo training before deployment.
The sanctuary, spanning 732 sq km across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is home to gharials, dolphins, and tortoises, and illegal mining has adversely impacted their habitat. The Supreme Court directed states to provide legal protection and prosecution immunity to frontline forest guards, emphasizing that their duties extend beyond forest protection to safeguarding critically endangered wildlife habitats from organized illegal activities.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
