Jaipur: Supreme Court has strongly criticized administrative authorities in Rajasthan over the ongoing Rajasthan river pollution case, stating that negligence and delays by officials have led to “immense damage to public infrastructure.” The court made these remarks while hearing a suo motu case on pollution in the Jojari River and its impact on the Bandi and Luni rivers.
The bench observed that officers had been “dragging their feet” for years, allowing industrial waste and untreated sewage to contaminate rivers and harm surrounding communities.
Jojari River Pollution Case: Major Directives of Supreme Court
During the hearing, a bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta expressed strong dissatisfaction with the slow response of government officials.
The court noted that authorities failed to act on time to stop pollution in Rajasthan’s rivers, resulting in damage to infrastructure such as roads, schools, and public utilities in affected areas.
According to the court, prolonged delays and weak enforcement of environmental regulations allowed the pollution problem to continue for years. This negligence has now created a serious ecological and governance crisis.
Rivers at the Centre of the Jojari River Pollution Case
The case mainly focuses on pollution in three important rivers in western Rajasthan:
1. Jojari River
The Jojari River, a seasonal river flowing through the Jodhpur region, has become heavily polluted due to industrial discharge and sewage. The river eventually merges with the Luni River, spreading contamination further downstream.
Studies and reports show that untreated waste from factories and urban sewage has severely degraded the river’s water quality, making it unsafe for agriculture, drinking water, and wildlife.
2. Bandi River
The Bandi River has also been affected by industrial waste, particularly from textile and chemical industries. Pollution here has contributed to the contamination of groundwater and nearby farmland.
3. Luni River
The Luni River, a major river system in western Rajasthan, receives polluted water from tributaries like the Jojari and Bandi. Industrial discharge from textile industries in nearby districts has worsened the pollution problem.
Factories and Industrial Waste a Major Concern
The Supreme Court highlighted that several factories were operating without proper permissions, contributing to environmental damage.
Industrial units in textile and chemical clusters have been accused of releasing untreated effluents into rivers. Such waste often contains toxic heavy metals and chemicals, which contaminate soil and groundwater.
Environmental experts say the pollution has affected thousands of farmers and residents who rely on these rivers for irrigation and daily use.
Impact on Public Infrastructure and Communities
The pollution has caused multiple problems in affected regions:
- Damage to roads, schools, and government buildings due to polluted water and waterlogging
- Agricultural losses due to contaminated irrigation water
- Health problems among residents due to polluted drinking water
- Groundwater contamination affecting nearby villages
Reports indicate that infrastructure like schools, hospitals, anganwadi centers, and drinking water systems have been damaged in some areas because of prolonged exposure to polluted water.
Supreme Court’s Oversight Committee
Earlier, the Supreme Court had set up a high-level ecosystem oversight committee to examine the causes of the pollution and suggest solutions.
The committee was tasked with:
- Investigating the root causes of river contamination
- Monitoring remedial and cleanup measures
- Suggesting long-term restoration plans for the rivers
The panel has already submitted an interim report to the court, detailing the steps taken so far and the challenges faced during the investigation.
Background of Jojari River Pollution Case
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance in 2025 after reports and documentaries highlighted the alarming level of industrial pollution in the Jojari River region.
These reports warned that nearly two million people could be affected by contaminated water and environmental degradation in the region.
The court decided to intervene directly to ensure accountability and effective action by authorities.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing on March 17, when it will review the progress made by the Rajasthan government and the recommendations of the oversight committee.
The court is expected to assess whether the authorities have taken concrete steps to control pollution and restore the river ecosystem.
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