The Supreme Court sharply criticized the State for failing to stop severe industrial pollution in the Jojari River, affecting nearly 2 million people. The Bench will issue key orders on November 21 after reviewing compliance and accountability issues.
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RAJASTHAN: The Supreme Court, taking up the issue of severe Jojari River pollution on its own motion, criticized the State authorities for failing to prevent the discharge of toxic industrial effluents into the river. A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta heard the matter.
During the hearing, the Counsel for the State submitted that discussions were underway at the state level to address the pollution crisis. However, the Bench observed that the State’s affidavit only reaffirmed its earlier concerns:
“The affidavit essentially confirms the State’s failure to curb pollution in the Jojari River, causing hardship to nearly 2 million people,”
the Bench remarked.
The Jojari River, a tributary of the Luni River in Rajasthan, has long suffered from contamination from direct industrial discharge, impacting residents, livestock, and agricultural activities.
State counsel informed the Court that three government authorities had decided to withdraw their appeal against the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) favourable directions on pollution control.
Counsel argued:
“Your Lordships may lift the interim order; we will comply fully with all mandated steps.”
The Bench refused to accept the narrative that municipal bodies should be absolved of responsibility. The judges pointed out that: Direct industrial discharge continues, raising serious questions about the role and accountability of municipal authorities tasked with regulating such activities.
The bench questioned,
“But there is direct industrial discharge into the river. Why should the municipal bodies be absolved?”
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for orders on November 21.
Case Title:
IN RE: 2 MILLION LIVES AT RISK, CONTAMINATION IN JOJARI RIVER, RAJASTHAN
SUO MOTO WRIT PETITION(CIVIL) No(s). 8/2025
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