Supreme Court Halts Construction Near Rajasthan’s Jojari River
The Supreme Court of India has issued a significant ruling prohibiting all construction and development activities within 100 meters of the Jojari River in Rajasthan. This order will remain in effect until the completion of a scientific study and the demarcation of the high flood line and ecological buffer zones. The decision was made in response to a suo motu case addressing industrial pollution in Rajasthan’s river systems, particularly the Jojari River.
The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, emphasized the need for an interim protective measure to safeguard the river’s ecosystem during this period. The Court’s directive stated, “We are of the considered view that it is necessary to put in place an interim, definite and measurable area of protection so as to adequately safeguard the riverine ecosystem during the pendency of the scientific exercise for the determination and demarcation of the high flood line and the requisite ecological buffer zones.”
Additionally, the Court mandated that no hazardous industries or polluting activities are permitted within 500 meters of the existing flood line or the current flow path of the river. This restriction will stay in place until the scientific determinations are finalized.
This case emerged following a documentary titled “2 Million Lives at Risk | India’s Deadliest River | Jojari, Rajasthan,” which highlighted severe contamination issues in the Jodhpur, Pali, and Barmer districts. In a related move, the Court revived the National Green Tribunal’s 2022 directions to clean up the Jojari, Bandi, and Luni rivers and appointed a high-level oversight committee led by former Rajasthan High Court Judge Justice Sangeet Lodha.
The Supreme Court has been actively monitoring the situation with the assistance of this committee. In a previous hearing, the Court instructed the Rajasthan government to form an integrated coordination group to combat industrial pollution and restore the state’s polluted rivers. This group is tasked with collaborating with the high-level committee to develop a comprehensive resolution plan, detailing measures, responsibilities, milestones, and timelines for pollution control and ecological restoration.
Furthermore, the Court directed the creation of an independent river commission or river rejuvenation authority responsible for the conservation, rejuvenation, and integrated management of rivers, river basins, and catchment areas across Rajasthan. The State was also ordered to scientifically determine and mark high flood lines and ecological buffer zones for all river systems in Rajasthan.
Today’s ruling effectively bans industrial activities within 100 meters of the river while prohibiting any hazardous or potentially polluting activities within 500 meters until the scientific assessments are complete. The Court also issued directives to ensure the high-level committee functions smoothly, clarifying that the coordination group’s responsibilities should not overlap with those of the committee. Justice Lodha, as the committee’s chairperson, is authorized to issue instructions to facilitate the effective implementation of the Court’s directives.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for this matter on September 22.
