India, Oct. 7 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that rivers once destroyed cannot be compensated, directing the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to submit a report on illegal river sand mining across the country.

The direction expanded the scope of the apex court's probe into the matter. The CEC is the expert body assisting the court on environmental issues.

Dealing with the issue in a suo motu proceeding initiated over news reports of rampant illegal sand mining in the Chambal river inside the National Gharial Sanctuary, the court said that the matter assumes significance as, despite several orders passed on the river Chambal, illegal mining continues unabated.

The Supreme Court also pulled up the states of Rajasthan and Madhy...