New Delhi, May 12 -- The Supreme Court on Monday observed that steps to prevent illegal sand mining in the riverine Gharial Sanctuary in Chambal are merely on paper, with Rajasthan proving to be an "utter failure" in combating the mining mafia. Taking up a suo motu proceeding following news reports of large scale illegal sand mining in the Chambal sanctuary spread across districts in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the top court noticed severe gaps in the present enforcement action proposed by the three states. Following its last order of April 17, when it sought action taken reports from the three states, the court also received suggestions from the expert body of the Central Empowered Committee along with amicus curiae in the case and posted the matter for Thursday to pass additional directions. The bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said, "We find that everything is only on paper. The states have enough resources but they are hardly being used." Senior advocate Nikhil Goel along with advocate Rupali Samuel assisting the court as amicus curiae pointed out a "very dismal state of affairs". The bench said, "There is utter failure in the state of Rajasthan. How can tractors run without registration? And what are home guards to do against armed organised mafia? Having a special task force would be the best answer."...