Rajasthan’s Jojari River Buffer Gets SC Protection With 100-Metre Construction Restriction

The Supreme Court on Monday prohibited construction and development activity within 100 metres of the edge of Rajasthan's Jojari river. The direction was issued in a suo motu petition concerning pollution of the river and the potential threat it poses to the health and lives of around two million residents in the state. The court also directed the Rajasthan government to take steps to protect the riverine system and prevent further degradation of the water body.

In addition to the 100-metre restriction, the Supreme Court directed that no hazardous industry be established within 500 metres of the Jojari river. The directions are aimed at creating a protective buffer around the river and reducing activities that could contribute to pollution or otherwise damage its ecosystem. The state government has been asked to ensure that the court's directions are implemented and that the river and its surrounding environment receive adequate protection.

The order came in proceedings initiated by the Supreme Court on its own motion over concerns regarding pollution in the Jojari river. The court's intervention reflects the seriousness of the environmental issues surrounding the river, particularly given the large population potentially exposed to the consequences of contamination. Pollution of rivers can affect water quality, ecosystems and communities that depend on surrounding natural resources, making preventive measures important for both environmental and public health reasons.

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The Jojari river is an important water system in Rajasthan and has faced concerns related to pollution and degradation. Industrial activity, urban development and the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated waste can place pressure on river systems. The Supreme Court's directions seek to prevent additional development from taking place close to the river while requiring the state to safeguard the wider riverine environment.

The 100-metre construction restriction establishes a clear distance from the river edge within which development activity will not be permitted. The additional 500-metre restriction for hazardous industries creates an even wider safety zone for activities considered particularly capable of causing pollution or environmental damage. Together, the directions seek to limit potentially harmful development near the river and strengthen safeguards around its catchment and riverine system.

The court's intervention also places responsibility on the Rajasthan government to ensure that the protective measures are effectively implemented. This includes preventing prohibited construction and hazardous industrial activity within the specified distances and taking steps to preserve the riverine system. Effective enforcement will be important to ensure that the restrictions translate into meaningful protection rather than remaining limited to regulatory directions.

The Supreme Court's order marks a significant intervention in efforts to address pollution of the Jojari river. By restricting construction within 100 metres and hazardous industries within 500 metres, the court has sought to create stronger safeguards around the river while addressing concerns over its impact on a large population. The proceedings will continue to keep the condition of the river and the implementation of environmental protection measures under judicial scrutiny.

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