Supreme Court Orders Restoration of Jojari–Bandi–Luni River Basin

Court Steps in After Years of Neglect

In a significant intervention, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the severe pollution in the Jojari–Bandi–Luni river system and directed the Union government to initiate immediate restoration measures. The order, issued on 18 November, highlights the Court’s increasing oversight over environmental governance, especially in cases where state authorities have failed to take corrective action.

The bench observed that the Jojari–Bandi–Luni basin, which supports nearly 1.6 crore people in the Jodhpur region, has deteriorated due to unchecked industrial discharge, poor regulatory enforcement, and prolonged official inaction. The Court stated that the scale of ecological damage warranted urgent intervention at the highest level and constituted a two-member expert committee to assist in formulating a restoration plan.

The Court’s remarks were notably critical of the Rajasthan government’s “years of neglect,” with the bench observing that the state had failed to implement effective pollution control mechanisms or comply with earlier directives from statutory bodies.

Two-Member Expert Panel Tasked with Comprehensive Assessment

The Supreme Court appointed a two-member expert panel to examine the condition of the river system and recommend steps for remediation. The panel has been directed to:

• Assess the extent of industrial, domestic, and chemical pollution in the rivers.

• Identify sources of contamination, including effluent discharge points.

• Recommend short-term and long-term restoration measures.

• Suggest mechanisms for monitoring and compliance by both state and private entities.

• Coordinate with the Union environment ministry and pollution control boards.

The Court also directed the committee to prepare a comprehensive status report, highlighting immediate and structural interventions required to rehabilitate the river system. The report will be submitted to the Supreme Court for further orders.

Pollution in Jojari–Bandi–Luni: Court Records Disturbing Details

The bench noted that the Jojari, Bandi, and Luni rivers—forming a single hydrological system—have become heavily polluted over the past decade. According to materials placed before the Court:

• The rivers have turned toxic due to sustained discharge of untreated industrial effluents.

• Chemical waste from textile dyeing, tanning, and other industries has entered the natural stream.

• Groundwater contamination has been reported, affecting agrarian communities and livestock.

• Drinking water sources in several villages have been compromised.

The Court emphasized that the ecological degradation is not confined to river water alone but has extended to soil, aquifers, and agricultural fields. The bench noted that this has resulted in serious health risks to residents and long-term damage to farming.

Sharp Criticism of the Rajasthan Government’s Inaction

The Supreme Court was unequivocal in its criticism of the Rajasthan government. The bench recorded that despite repeated warnings issued by pollution control authorities, the state had failed to take meaningful steps to prevent pollution or restore the river basin.

The Court’s observations included:

• The state ignored compliance directives issued over several years.

• Industries continued to discharge waste due to lack of enforcement.

• Pollution control infrastructure, including treatment plants, was either non-functional or insufficient.

• No effective monitoring mechanism was put in place to prevent illegal effluent discharge.

• The state did not present a credible plan for restoration even when the matter reached the Court.

The bench remarked that the state’s approach reflected “systemic administrative failure,” compelling judicial intervention.

Suo Motu Action Reflects the Court’s Expanding Environmental Oversight

This case is one of several instances where the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of environmental degradation. The Court noted that judicial intervention becomes necessary when regulatory institutions fail to enforce environmental standards.

While issuing directions, the bench acknowledged that environmental issues often require coordinated action between the Union and state governments. It therefore asked the Centre to take charge of the restoration initiative while ensuring that Rajasthan complies with statutory responsibilities.

The Court directed that:

• The Union environment ministry must work with the expert panel.

• Pollution control authorities must carry out inspections as recommended.

• Restoration plans must be implemented in a time-bound manner.

Restoration Efforts to Be Developed with Scientific Precision

The Court emphasized that restoration of the Jojari–Bandi–Luni basin must be based on scientific assessments rather than ad hoc measures. The expert panel has been instructed to rely on hydrological studies, pollution data, and environmental impact assessments to recommend a sustainable approach.

The recommended restoration measures may include:

• Installation or upgrade of effluent treatment facilities.

• Removal of chemical sediment deposits from riverbeds.

• Rejuvenation of natural flow patterns disrupted by pollution.

• Strict zoning regulations to limit discharge around the river basin.

• Monitoring groundwater contamination and initiating remediation.

The Court stated that the panel’s recommendations must form the basis of any state or central government action.

Court Seeks Accountability from Industries

The Supreme Court also addressed the role of industrial units operating along the river basin. The bench noted that many such units have contributed directly to the pollution and must face regulatory action.

The Court directed pollution control authorities to:

• Identify industries discharging untreated waste.

• Impose penalties for non-compliance.

• Ensure installation of functional effluent treatment units.

• Suspend operations of non-compliant units, if necessary.

The bench observed that environmental protection laws impose strict responsibilities on industrial operators, and violations cannot be excused on grounds of cost or operational convenience.

Focus on Public Health and the Rights of Affected Communities

The Court recorded that pollution of the Jojari–Bandi–Luni basin has direct consequences for residents who rely on the river system for farming, drinking water, and livestock needs. Multiple villages have reported health and livelihood impacts.

The bench emphasized that:

• Environmental rights are closely linked to the right to life under Article 21.

• The state has a constitutional responsibility to prevent harm to public health.

• Restoration is essential not just for ecological reasons but for social welfare.

The Court stated that the needs of affected communities must be prioritized when framing the restoration plan.

Time-Bound Directions and Mandatory Compliance

The Supreme Court issued time-bound instructions to ensure effective implementation. The Union government and the expert panel have been asked to begin work immediately and submit periodic status reports. The Court warned that any further delay would invite strict judicial scrutiny.

The bench stated that coordination between central and state governments is essential, and the restoration plan must not remain a “paper exercise.” It further directed that pollution control boards conduct regular inspections and file compliance affidavits before the Court.

Conclusion: A Critical Step Toward Rehabilitating a Vital River System

The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a pivotal moment for environmental governance in Rajasthan. By forming an expert panel and directing central oversight, the Court has taken decisive steps toward rehabilitating the Jojari–Bandi–Luni river system—a lifeline for millions in the region.

The judgment underscores the judiciary’s ongoing role in monitoring environmental degradation and compelling state authorities to act where statutory responsibilities have been neglected. As restoration efforts begin, the Court’s directions lay the foundation for sustained intervention aimed at reversing decades of ecological damage.