Rajasthan's Jojari River: Supreme Court Slams Authorities, Says Degradation Happening “Under Your Nose”
SC bench expressing concern over unchecked river pollution in Rajasthan during suo motu hearings
The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on state authorities while hearing a suo motu matter concerning rising pollution levels in rivers across Rajasthan.
The Bench of Justices Sandeep Mehta and Vikram Nath, expressed strong displeasure over what it described as administrative inaction despite clear evidence of environmental degradation.
“What has happened is under your nose and with the connivance of all authorities. There is no other way,” Justice Mehta remarked, signalling the court’s frustration with the state’s failure to curb contamination of major water bodies.
Justice Vikram Nath added that the Bench’s observations were inevitable in light of the continuing violations. “Yes, remarks will be there,” he said, responding to concerns about the court’s sharp comments on the conduct of regulatory bodies.
The Bench took the state’s status report on record and fixed the matter for orders on Friday, November 21.
Notably, on September 23, the Court had reserved order in the case for October 9.
Previously on September 15, the Court had initiated the suo moto proceedings and had noted that the contamination was affecting hundreds of villages along the river and rendering the drinking water non-potable for local communities.
The Bench had considered the reports of widespread pollution, noting that the environmental and health impacts were severe and required immediate judicial attention. It had directed that the matter be placed before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai for appropriate orders, indicating the possibility of constituting a larger Bench or forming a monitoring committee to oversee remedial action.
The Court had emphasized that the situation required urgent intervention from both the State Government of Rajasthan and relevant Central authorities to prevent further harm to the affected population and ensure that industries comply with environmental regulations.