On April 2, 2026, the Supreme Court of India criticized the sand mining mafia in the Chambal region, referring to them as 'modern dacoits' who possess superior weaponry and operate with impunity. This statement came during a hearing concerning illegal sand mining activities that are devastating the ecosystem of the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, a critical habitat for endangered species such as gharials and various other wildlife. The court noted that the Madhya Pradesh government has failed to protect these natural resources, stating that the situation is dire. Justice Sandeep Mehta highlighted the alarming frequency of violence against officials, noting that at least 1,000 trucks of sand are illegally mined daily, often in plain sight of law enforcement. The court also stayed a recent notification from Rajasthan that would have reduced protections for 732 hectares of land in the sanctuary, asserting that it was issued unlawfully. The court acknowledged the economic reliance of some local communities on sand mining but stressed that illegal activities cannot be permitted, urging the state to provide alternative livelihoods for those affected. The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 11, 2026.