The Supreme Court questioned why RIICO opposed an NGT order aimed at cleaning the polluted Jojari river. The bench sought clarity from the Rajasthan government on the state agency’s stance and Rs 2 crore penalty compliance.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Friday questioned the Rajasthan government for allowing the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) to challenge an order passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that was aimed at cleaning the polluted Jojari river.
The apex court expressed surprise and concern over why a government agency would oppose an environmental clean-up initiative.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a suo motu case taken up by the court regarding pollution in rivers across Rajasthan.
The court asked the state government to clarify its position and explain the reasons behind RIICO’s decision to contest the NGT’s order.
The bench asked the state to make its stand clear on whether RIICO and other civic bodies “intend to maintain their appeals” against the February 2022 NGT order.
This NGT order had directed authorities to take action to clean the heavily polluted Luni, Bandi, and Jojari rivers, which have been suffering from severe industrial contamination.
During the hearing, the court strongly questioned RIICO’s actions and motives, observing that the appeal seemed to go against the public interest.
The judges asked,
“Why is RIICO resisting compliance when the directives are aimed at pollution remediation?”
The bench noted that the very purpose of the NGT’s order was to protect the environment and restore river health, and opposing it raised serious concerns about the state’s commitment to environmental protection.
The court further took note that RIICO had already been directed by the NGT to pay Rs 2 crore as environmental compensation for contributing to the pollution in the Jojari river.
The judges pointed out that instead of complying with the environmental directions, RIICO chose to challenge the order, which appeared contradictory to its responsibilities as a state body.
The Supreme Court also directed the state government to file a clear statement explaining whether it supports or distances itself from RIICO’s appeal. The bench emphasized that all state agencies must work together to clean and protect rivers rather than delay action through legal challenges.
The matter will now be heard again on November 17, when the Rajasthan government is expected to provide its explanation on RIICO’s conduct and the steps being taken to comply with the NGT’s directives regarding the Luni, Bandi, and Jojari rivers.
This development comes amid growing judicial scrutiny over industrial and municipal pollution in Rajasthan’s rivers.
The Supreme Court’s questions highlight its firm stance on environmental accountability and its insistence that state authorities cannot act contrary to public welfare in matters of ecological restoration.
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