National Chambal Sanctuary - River Dolphin

 

The National Chambal Sanctuary protects the riverine ecosystem of the Chambal River.

It extends across:

  • Madhya Pradesh

  • Rajasthan

  • Uttar Pradesh.

It is particularly important for the conservation of:

  • Gharial

  • Gangetic river dolphin

  • Indian skimmer

  • Freshwater turtles.

In 2026, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of illegal sand mining and its impact on the sanctuary's endangered aquatic wildlife. The Court issued directions involving surveillance, enforcement and protection of the riverine ecosystem.

Key Pointers

  • River → Chambal

  • States → MP, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh

  • Flagship species → Gharial

  • Other species → Gangetic dolphin, Indian skimmer.

  • Major threat → Illegal sand mining.

  • 2026 → Supreme Court intervention on ecological degradation.