Supreme Court Sets Up Coordination Groups for Pollution Control in Rajasthan
The Supreme Court of India has taken significant steps to address the issue of industrial pollution affecting water bodies in Rajasthan. On Friday, the court mandated the formation of two Integrated Coordination Groups, alongside a distinct body dedicated to the rehabilitation of polluted water resources in the region. This directive emerged from the case titled In Re: 2 Million Lives At Risk, Contamination In Jojari River, Rajasthan.
Bench’s Initiative to Combat River Pollution
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta delivered the order as part of a suo motu case that scrutinizes the industrial contamination of rivers in Rajasthan, most notably the Jojari River. Justice Mehta remarked, “We have issued specific instructions for creating two Integrated Coordination Groups and an additional entity for river restoration. These directives will be detailed in the order.”
Coordination Groups to Collaborate on Resolution Plan
The newly established coordination groups are expected to work closely with a High-Powered Committee, previously constituted following the court’s orders, to devise a comprehensive solution. The court has scheduled a follow-up for September 22, by which time the resolution plan should be presented.
“The matter is listed again on September 22 for consideration of a comprehensive resolution plan to be submitted by the Integrated Coordination Group in consultation with the Committee,” the Court noted. The court’s order will be forwarded to Rajasthan’s Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma and the High-Powered Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the cleanup of water bodies within the state.
Background of the Suo Motu Case
The suo motu case was initiated after a documentary, “2 Million Lives at Risk | India’s Deadliest River | Jojari, Rajasthan,” highlighted severe pollution issues in the Jodhpur, Pali, and Barmer districts. In November 2025, the Supreme Court reinstated the National Green Tribunal’s 2022 directives aimed at cleansing the Jojari, Bandi, and Luni rivers. Additionally, a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee, led by former Rajasthan High Court judge Justice Sangeet Lodha, was established.
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Ongoing Concerns and Court’s Response
In July of the current year, the Court raised concerns over pollution reports across Rajasthan, including an alarming instance where a pond near the Jojari River turned pink, attributed to suspected industrial waste. Illegal industrial operations in the Sanganer-Dravyavati-Nevta area in Jaipur were also noted. The Court highlighted these incidents as indicative of potential systemic failures and instructed Rajasthan to enforce stringent legal actions against the polluters.
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The Supreme Court continues its proactive approach in its suo motu case addressing industrial pollution in Rajasthan’s water bodies, including the Jojari River, under the guidance of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta.
