The Supreme Court has issued a wide-ranging set of directions to the Rajasthan Government over severe environmental degradation, industrial pollution and contamination affecting the Jojari-Bandi-Luni river ecosystem.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta directed the State to create an Integrated Coordination Group headed by the Chief Secretary and an independent River Commission/River Rejuvenation Authority for coordinated river-basin management.
The order came in In Re: 2 Million Lives at Risk, Contamination in Jojari River, Rajasthan, along with connected civil appeals.Background of the Case
The proceedings concern allegations and material placed before the Court regarding untreated industrial effluents, contaminated water bodies, degradation of groundwater and agricultural land, encroachments on riverbeds and floodplains, and weaknesses in regulatory enforcement.
The Court had earlier considered reports of the High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee and the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT reviewed 16 criminal cases concerning riverine pollution in Jodhpur, Pali and Balotra, with four FIRs registered pursuant to its constitution.
The investigation also indicated, at a prima facie stage, possible coordination between officials of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and industrial units in bypassing prescribed treatment processes. Scientific examination of samples and technical data remained underway.
Supreme Court's Observations
The Bench said the material before it showed “severe degradation of the riverine ecosystem” along with contamination of water bodies and illegal discharge of industrial effluents. It observed that the problems involved several government departments and could not be effectively handled through isolated action.
The Court also directed the SIT to deepen its investigation. It noted that arrests and invocation of more serious offences had taken place only when the matter was approaching the scheduled hearing, which raised questions about the timing of those actions.
The Bench said the investigation must examine the entire chain of events, including decision-making, financial and institutional mechanisms and the role of private persons, industrial entities and public officials.
River Corridors and Industrial Development
The Court stressed the need to scientifically determine the High Flood Line, meaning the area likely to be reached by floodwaters, along with ecological buffer zones.
Until that exercise is completed, the State has been directed not to grant fresh permissions for industrial, commercial or residential development within identified river corridors.
The Court also examined concerns surrounding the proposed RIICO Industrial Area at Kakani and the Ambey Valley Industrial Park, directing further review and inquiry into land-use and environmental issues.
Decision and Directions
The Supreme Court ordered Rajasthan to constitute the Integrated Coordination Group within seven days. The Group must prepare, in consultation with the Committee, a Comprehensive Resolution Plan covering pollution control, ecological restoration, groundwater protection, biodiversity conservation and river-basin management.
The State was also directed to establish a River Commission/River Rejuvenation Authority and place its organisational framework and powers before the Court.
The SIT was ordered to intensify pending investigations and proceed against persons, including public officials and industrial entities, wherever credible material emerges and in accordance with law.
The Court further directed Rajasthan to establish a digital environmental grievance mechanism using QR-code-based reporting, allowing complaints concerning illegal effluent discharge, groundwater extraction, riverbed encroachments and other environmental violations.
The matters have been listed for September 22, 2026, when the Court will consider the Comprehensive Resolution Plan.
Case Title: In Re: 2 Million Lives at Risk, Contamination in Jojari River, Rajasthan
Judges: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Decision Date: August 7, 2026
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