New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concern over what it described as a lack of seriousness by authorities in addressing pollution in Rajasthan’s Jojari River, noting that the situation poses a significant health hazard to nearly two million people residing along its banks. The court emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting that decades of industrial effluent and domestic sewage discharge have transformed the river into a toxic waterway.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta took suo motu cognizance of the issue, citing reports of worsening river pollution affecting areas in Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Pali. The court observed that multiple autonomous and statutory bodies tasked with environmental management in Rajasthan appeared reluctant to implement measures to clean and protect the river. “It seems none of the autonomous bodies in Rajasthan want pollution to be removed,” the bench remarked during the hearing, underscoring the apparent lack of accountability in enforcing environmental regulations.

The court also noted that appeals filed by the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Limited (RIICO), along with civic bodies from Pali, Balotra, and Jodhpur, remain pending before the Supreme Court against a 2022 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order. The NGT had directed action to clean the river and imposed penalties on the responsible agencies. The bench asked the state to submit instructions within 10 days on whether these entities are serious about pursuing their appeals. The matter has been posted for the next hearing on November 17, with directions for the state to file a comprehensive status report on pollution control measures taken so far.

During the hearing, Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma, representing the Rajasthan government, stated that the pending appeals relate to a ₹2 crore cost imposed on RIICO and the civic bodies for failing to maintain the cleanliness of the river. The bench observed that the cost was “rightly imposed” and assured that it would address the matter in due course. Sharma added that the state government is engaging expert bodies to tackle the pollution problem and assured that the measures being undertaken would be detailed in the forthcoming status report.

The origins of the problem trace back to the NGT’s 2022 directive, which had mandated the closure of industries contributing to the river’s pollution and required comprehensive action plans to prevent further contamination. Despite the order, reports indicate that the continuous discharge of untreated industrial effluents and domestic sewage has rendered large stretches of the Jojari River dead, poisonous, and hazardous for surrounding communities. Villagers using the river for agriculture, livestock, and daily needs are particularly at risk, according to the court’s observations.

Geographically, the Jojari River originates in the hills of Nagaur, flows through Jodhpur and Barmer districts, and eventually joins the Luni River. Over the years, rapid industrialization, inadequate sewage treatment facilities, and lack of stringent enforcement have exacerbated the river’s environmental degradation. Experts say the persistent contamination has not only affected public health but has also led to loss of aquatic biodiversity and deterioration of soil quality in agricultural fields irrigated with its waters.

The Supreme Court’s suo motu intervention reflects the judiciary’s growing concern over industrial pollution in India, particularly in rivers that support both human populations and agricultural activities. The bench highlighted that the inaction of responsible agencies is particularly troubling, as the Jojari River flows through densely populated regions where communities rely directly on river water for daily use.

The state government has indicated that technical assessments and environmental audits are being undertaken to determine the extent of pollution and identify measures to rehabilitate the river. Sharma stated that the forthcoming status report would include specific remedial steps, including plans for industrial effluent treatment, sewage management, and monitoring mechanisms. However, the court appeared skeptical about the pace and seriousness of the efforts, given the long-standing nature of the problem.

Environmental activists have repeatedly warned that delays in cleaning the Jojari River could have long-term consequences. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to polluted water can lead to waterborne diseases, chemical poisoning, and other health hazards for residents along the riverbanks. Additionally, the contamination affects agriculture-dependent livelihoods, as polluted river water is commonly used for irrigation, potentially leading to crop contamination and soil degradation.

The Supreme Court’s remarks underscore the urgency for coordinated action between the state government, local civic bodies, and environmental authorities. The bench’s instructions to submit a status report within ten days indicate that the court intends to closely monitor progress and ensure accountability from all responsible parties.

The case also highlights broader concerns about industrial regulation and environmental governance in India. While laws exist to control industrial effluents and maintain water quality, enforcement often falls short due to lack of infrastructure, oversight, and political will. Experts argue that unless there is strict compliance with environmental norms, rivers like Jojari will continue to deteriorate, posing significant public health and ecological risks.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s intervention on the Jojari River pollution case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental negligence. With nearly two million people potentially affected, the bench’s directive for a status report and follow-up hearing represents an important step toward restoring the river’s ecological health and safeguarding public health in Rajasthan. Authorities now face mounting pressure to act decisively and transparently, implement effective pollution control measures, and ensure that industrial and civic bodies fulfill their responsibilities to protect one of the state’s vital water resources.