Supreme Court Bans Construction Within 100 Metres Of Rajasthan's Johari River, Imposes 500-Metre No-Pollution Buffer

The Supreme Court on Monday directed that no construction or development activity of any nature shall be permitted within 100 metres from the edge of the Jojari river in Rajasthan, pending scientific determination of the High Flood Line and ecological buffer zones.

As an additional interim safeguard, the Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta also barred any hazardous industry or activity capable of causing pollution, contamination or other damage to the riverine ecosystem within 500 metres on either side of the existing flood line; wherever identified, or the river's present flow path.

The Court clarified that these restrictions will remain in force until the scientific exercise for determining and demarcating the High Flood Line and requisite ecological buffer zones is completed.

The bench also addressed concerns over the functioning of the committee constituted for the exercise, noting a substantial overlap between the committee and the Integrated Coordination Group, with several senior government functionaries serving on both bodies.

The Court clarified that the Integrated Coordination Group is merely an internal government arrangement for smooth coordination between departments and does not impinge upon the domain of the committee. However, it acknowledged that the overlapping membership could create practical difficulties in the independent and effective discharge of the two bodies' respective functions.

The Court clarified that the Chairperson of the committee, in his individual capacity, may, whenever necessary, issue suitable directions, orders and instructions to ensure effective and expeditious coordinated implementation of the Court's directions and the committee's mandate. Earlier directions empowering the committee to take necessary action and pass requisite orders will continue to operate in letter and spirit, the Court made clear.

The Court also passed directions concerning the assignment of the project to the National University, and considered the prayer seeking permission for release of the polluted accumulated water, issuing necessary directions in this regard.

The matter will be listed again on September 27.

Earlier, this month the Court had constituted an Integrated Coordination Group and a River Restoration Body to oversee the revival of the Jojari, Luni and Bandi rivers.

Last month, expressing serious concern over reports of widespread industrial pollution and environmental degradation in Rajasthan, the Supreme Court had directed the State government to file comprehensive affidavits addressing allegations of untreated industrial effluents contaminating rivers, groundwater, agricultural land and wildlife habitats.

Background of the Case

By constituting the committee last year, the Court had sought a detailed assessment of the environmental damage, the measures required to control pollution, and the steps needed for restoration of the river ecosystem.

On November 17, the Bench had come down heavily on state authorities while hearing a suo motu matter concerning rising pollution levels in rivers across Rajasthan. The Bench had 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 had remarked, signalling the court’s frustration with the state’s failure to curb contamination of major water bodies.

Previously, after examining the documentary and related records, the Bench had noted that the same environmental issues had been subject to long-standing litigation before the Rajasthan High Court and subsequently the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi. The NGT, in 2020–2021, had constituted monitoring committees chaired by former Chief Justice Prakash Chandra Tatia, whose reports revealed rampant industrial pollution in the Jojari, Bandi, and Luni rivers due to effluents discharged by textile and steel units across Jodhpur, Pali, Balotra, and adjoining districts.

In its final order dated February 25, 2022, the NGT had issued detailed directions mandating Zero Liquid Discharge compliance, imposition of environmental compensation, and closure of defaulting industries. These directions were challenged through statutory appeals under Section 22 of the NGT Act, 2010, filed before the Supreme Court by RIICO, the municipal councils of Jodhpur, Pali, and Balotra, among others. Interim stays were granted in 2022 in some of these appeals. 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.

Case Title: In Re 2 Million Lives at Risk, Contamination in Jojari River Rajasthan

Bench: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta

Order Date: August 24, 2026

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