Chambal mining crackdown facing ‘practical constraints’: Panel seeks transfer of revenue land to forest department

National Chambal Sanctuary comprises substantial revenue and private land rather than notified forest land.

Statutory power of seizure under Section 52 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 is not available in non-notified forest areas.

CEC report says lack of seizure power is a major obstacle to enforcing bans on illegal sand mining.

CEC has sought immediate transfer of revenue land within the sanctuary to the forest department.

Supreme Court bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta reserved orders, posted matter for August 4.