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...