UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — SC steps in to save Chambal sanctuary from sand mining

Q1. In March 2026, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary. The original Bench that initiated these proceedings comprised which of the following pair of judges?

  • A. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta
  • B. Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan
  • C. Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan
  • D. Justices A.S. Oka and Pankaj Mithal

Q2. In the context of the Supreme Court's observations on the National Chambal Sanctuary, the term 'lotic ecosystem' that sand mining was damaging refers to:

  • A. An ecosystem of free-flowing waters such as rivers and streams
  • B. An ecosystem of standing or stagnant waters such as lakes and ponds
  • C. A brackish-water estuarine ecosystem at a river mouth
  • D. A seasonally waterlogged wetland or marsh ecosystem

Q3. Across how many States does the National Chambal Sanctuary, at the centre of the 2026 Supreme Court proceedings, extend?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Five

Q4. With reference to judicial and tribunal action on illegal mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, consider the following statements: 1. The 2022 cognisance of illegal Chambal mining was taken by the National Green Tribunal, whereas the 2026 escalation was a suo motu action of the Supreme Court. 2. In its May 2026 order, the Supreme Court directed the National Highways Authority of India to file an affidavit on safeguarding the bridge over the Chambal. 3. The Supreme Court's 2026 proceedings were initiated on a writ petition filed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 2022 cognisance of illegal Chambal mining was taken by the National Green Tribunal, whereas the 2026 escalation was a suo motu action of the Supreme Court.
  2. In its May 2026 order, the Supreme Court directed the National Highways Authority of India to file an affidavit on safeguarding the bridge over the Chambal.
  3. The Supreme Court's 2026 proceedings were initiated on a writ petition filed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. With reference to the National Chambal Sanctuary and the 2026 Supreme Court proceedings, consider the following statements: 1. The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) it protects is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. 2. The sanctuary lies across the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. 3. The 2026 Supreme Court proceedings were initiated as a Public Interest Litigation filed by an environmental NGO. 4. The Court directed the National Highways Authority of India to file an affidavit regarding the bridge over the Chambal. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) it protects is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
  2. The sanctuary lies across the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
  3. The 2026 Supreme Court proceedings were initiated as a Public Interest Litigation filed by an environmental NGO.
  4. The Court directed the National Highways Authority of India to file an affidavit regarding the bridge over the Chambal.
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 2 and 4
  • D. 1, 2 and 4