Source: DTE
Context: Illegal sand mining is rampant in the Chambal River region across states, threatening biodiversity and endangering officials and journalists.
- It jeopardises the conservation efforts in the National Chambal Sanctuary, home to rare and endangered species like the Gharial and Ganges dolphin.
About Chambal River:
- Origin: Bhadakla Falls near Janapav Hills (843 m elevation), Indore district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Length: Approx. 1,024 km.
- Mouth: Confluences with the Yamuna River in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh.
- States Flowing Through: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh
- Major Tributaries:
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- Right Bank: Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati, Shipra
- Other Tributaries: Kuno, Seep, Kuwari, Mej, Gambhir, etc.
- Chambal is a Tributary of: Yamuna River, hence part of the Ganga drainage system.
- River Characteristics:
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- Known as India’s cleanest river.
- Ancient name: Charmanvati (Mahabharata).
- Flows through Vindhyan scarplands, badlands, ravines, forming deep gorges.
- Major dams: Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar.
About National Chambal Sanctuary:
- Tri-state protected riverine zone (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).
- Spread over 5,400 sq. km along 425 km of Chambal River.
- Established to conserve critically endangered and riverine species.
- Key Features:
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- Primary Focus: Conservation of Gharial (world’s largest population), Ganges Dolphin, and Red-crowned Roof Turtle
- Other Wildlife:
- Mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otter, striped hyena, Indian wolf
- 8 rare turtle species like Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle
- Mammals: Sambhar, Nilgai, Indian gazelle, Bengal fox, langur, etc.
- Flora: Dry deciduous forests (Kathiar-Gir ecoregion).
- Topography: Ravines, sandy stretches, and hilly terrain.
- Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
