The Supreme Court on Monday, August, 24, 2026, has imposed an interim restriction on construction and development activities near Rajasthan’s Jojari River, directing that no such activity shall be permitted within 100 metres of the river’s edge until the High Flood Line and ecological buffer zones are scientifically determined.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta passed the directions in the suo motu proceedings concerning contamination of the Jojari River and the wider Jojari-Bandi-Luni river system. The Court’s order is aimed at providing a clearly measurable protective zone while the scientific exercise remains pending.
Background of the Case
The proceedings began after the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of reports concerning industrial pollution and ecological degradation in and around the Jojari River. The matter concerns the impact of industrial discharge and the deterioration of the river ecosystem across parts of Rajasthan.
The Court had earlier constituted a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee headed by former Rajasthan High Court judge Justice Sangeet Lodha to oversee restoration-related measures. It subsequently directed the State to create an Integrated Coordination Group and an independent River Commission/River Rejuvenation Authority for coordinated action.
Supreme Court's Observation
The Bench said an interim protective area was necessary until the scientific demarcation exercise was completed.
“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.”
The Court accordingly directed that no construction or development activity of any nature be permitted within 100 metres from the edge of the river.
As an additional safeguard, the Court also restricted hazardous industries and activities capable of causing pollution or contamination within 500 metres on either side of the existing flood line, wherever identified. Where the flood line has not yet been identified, the restriction will apply on either side of the present flow path of the river.
Committee and Coordination Group
The Court also addressed the overlap between the High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee and the Integrated Coordination Group. It noted that several government functionaries were members of both bodies, which could create practical difficulties in independently carrying out their respective responsibilities.
The Court clarified that the Coordination Group was an internal government arrangement and would not interfere with the Committee’s domain. It further empowered the Committee’s Chairperson, when necessary, to issue suitable directions for coordinated implementation of the Court’s orders.
Decision
The Supreme Court directed that the 100-metre construction restriction and the 500-metre restriction on hazardous or potentially polluting activities shall remain in force until scientific determination and demarcation of the High Flood Line and ecological buffer zones are completed.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 22, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: In Re: 2 Million Lives At Risk, Contamination In Jojari River, Rajasthan
Case Number: Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 8 of 2025
Judge: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Decision Date: August 24, 2026
