The Supreme Court on July 21 expressed serious concern over fresh reports of alleged industrial pollution affecting water bodies across Rajasthan while hearing the suo motu case on contamination of the Jojari River. The Bench said the material placed before it suggested environmental issues that required immediate attention and directed the State government to respond comprehensively to the findings and recommendations made by a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee.
Background of the Case
The matter is being heard in In Re: 2 Million Lives at Risk, Contamination in Jojari River, Rajasthan, a suo motu writ petition initiated by the Supreme Court. During the hearing, the Court considered the Committee's Second Status Report along with its comments on the Special Investigation Team's first report.
The Bench also examined newspaper reports highlighting alleged environmental concerns, including claims of contaminated pond water near the Jojari River, discharge of untreated industrial effluents in the Jaipur region, and pollution allegedly reaching the Morel Dam, affecting groundwater, agriculture and nearby villages. The Court observed that these reports required verification but could not be ignored at this stage.
The Bench observed, "The aforesaid newspaper reports prima facie disclose issues of environmental concern of a magnitude which cannot be ignored by this Court." It further noted that if the allegations were found to be genuine, they could indicate contamination of water bodies, untreated industrial discharge and possible shortcomings in the enforcement of environmental laws.
The Committee also informed the Court that wildlife habitats around Dhawa and Melba had allegedly been affected by polluted water flowing through the Jojari River. It recommended transferring identified land parcels to the Forest Department for ecological restoration and long-term wildlife protection.
The Court allowed industrial units claiming to be "White Category" industries with no effluent discharge to submit representations before the Committee for inspection and possible de-sealing if found compliant.
It further directed the Rajasthan government to expedite the transfer of identified land to the Forest Department, prepare a verified response to the environmental concerns raised in the newspaper reports, and file a detailed affidavit addressing every recommendation made by the Committee.
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board was instructed to prepare a technical plan for treating accumulated wastewater at the Sangariya Common Effluent Treatment Plant under the Committee's direct supervision, without allowing industrial operations to resume without the Court's permission. The Chief Secretary of Rajasthan was made personally responsible for ensuring compliance with all directions and was directed to appear virtually on the next date of hearing.
The Supreme Court issued the above directions, sought comprehensive affidavits from the State of Rajasthan, and listed the matter for further consideration on August 4, 2026.
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 (with connected matters)
 chief. Eknath Shinde – Shiv Sena leader-300x169.webp)
