Supreme Court Condemns Rajasthan's Failure to Address Jojari River Pollution Affecting 2 Million Lives

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday delivered a sharp rebuke to Rajasthan authorities regarding their ineffective measures to address pollution in the Jojari River, describing the impact on approximately two million residents as "unbelievable".

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta examined a suo motu case addressing the contamination issues affecting Jojari River's water quality.

The bench emphasized, "The harsh reality that is occurring on site is alarming," further adding, "The suffering inflicted upon the population is unbelievable." They noted that common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) were being circumvented, with pollutants discharged directly into the river.

"This is precisely what's happening. Why should municipal bodies be absolved of responsibility?" the bench questioned the counsel representing the authorities.

Justice Mehta remarked, "What has transpired occurred under direct supervision and with complicity from all relevant officers."

The state's legal representative indicated that a status report had been submitted regarding the matter.

The bench stated that the report essentially confirms the observations made in the previous order.

They highlighted the state's failure to control pollution, resulting in suffering for two million people.

The state's counsel revealed that the municipal councils of Pali and Balotra, the Jodhpur Nagar Nigam, and the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd (RIICO) had decided against pursuing appeals regarding the "positive directions" issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The NGT had issued an order in February 2022 concerning pollution affecting three rivers — Luni, Bandi, and Jojari.

Appeals filed by RIICO and these civic bodies were also scheduled for hearing before the Supreme Court.

The state's counsel explained that following the Supreme Court's suo motu cognizance of the issue, he advised state authorities against proceeding with appeals challenging the NGT order.

Nevertheless, he suggested that the Supreme Court should maintain jurisdiction over the matter regarding remarks made by the NGT against the authorities and the imposed financial penalties.

The state's counsel requested that the court review the progress achieved in addressing the situation.

The bench acknowledged receipt of the state's status report and indicated that an order would be issued on November 21.

During the November 7 hearing, the Supreme Court had requested the state to clarify whether RIICO and the three civic bodies intended to proceed with their respective appeals against the NGT's February 2022 order.

The state's counsel had mentioned that the NGT order directed RIICO to pay environmental compensation of Rs 2 crore.

Last month, the Supreme Court determined that pending appeals against the NGT order regarding pollution in the Jojari River should be heard concurrently with the suo motu case concerning contamination of the river water.

The bench issued this order in the suo motu case titled "In Re: 2 million lives at risk, contamination in Jojari River, Rajasthan".

On September 16, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of industrial waste discharge, primarily from textile and other factories, into the river, noting that it was impacting hundreds of villages.

The bench observed that this pollution rendered drinking water unsafe for both humans and animals, adversely affecting their health and surrounding ecosystems.