Why is it in the news?
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of illegal sand mining threats.
The sanctuary’s fragile ecosystem is under pressure.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● National Chambal Sanctuary is a tri-state protected area across MP, UP and Rajasthan.
● It spans around 600 km of Chambal River covering about 5,400 sq km.
● It is known for conservation of gharial and Ganges river dolphin.
● It supports nearly 90% of the world’s wild gharial population.
● It is recognised as an Important Bird Area and proposed Ramsar site.
● The Chambal River is among the cleanest rivers in India.
● It has a unique lotic ecosystem with sandbanks and ravines.
● Major threats include illegal sand mining, water extraction and illegal fishing.
● It is part of Project Crocodile initiated in 1975.