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The Supreme Court today directed that no construction or development activity shall be permitted within 100 metres of the edge of the Jojari River in Rajasthan, as an interim measure to protect the river ecosystem from further ecological degradation.

A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta stated that the restriction would remain in force until completion of a scientific exercise to determine and demarcate the High Flood Line and the requisite ecological buffer zones.

“In view of serious ecological degradation, it is necessary to put in place an interim measurable area of protection to adequately safeguard the river ecosystem during the pendency of the scientific exercise for determination and demarcation of the high flood line and the requisite ecological buffer zones,” the Court said.

As an additional interim safeguard, the Court directed that no industry or activity having the potential to cause pollution, contamination or other damage to the river ecosystem shall be permitted within 500 metres on either side of the existing flood line wherever such flood line has been identified.

Where the flood line has not been identified, the 500-metre restriction will apply on either side of the present flow path of the river.

The Court also addressed the functioning of the High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee and the Integrated Coordination Group constituted in connection with the restoration of the Jojari-Bandi-Luni river system.

It had recently directed constitution of an Integrated Coordination Group to work in consultation with the High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee and prepare a comprehensive action plan. The Court had also directed the State to constitute a River Commission/River Rejuvenation Authority to oversee conservation, rejuvenation and integrated management of rivers and river basins in Rajasthan, including scientific determination and demarcation of the High Flood Line.

Today, the Court noted that there was substantial overlap in the composition of the two bodies, with several functionaries serving as members of both. The Court noted that this could give rise to practical difficulties in the independent and effective discharge of the functions entrusted to them.

The Court clarified that the Integrated Coordination Group was formed as an internal arrangement for the smooth and seamless conduct of the requisite exercise within government departments and did not impinge upon the domain of the Committee.

However, considering the overlap, the Court opined that there was a need to clarify and delineate the respective roles of the two bodies. It directed that the Chairperson of the Committee, in his individual capacity, would be empowered, whenever necessary, to pass suitable directions, orders and instructions for effective and expeditious coordinated implementation of the Supreme Court's directions and the mandate entrusted to the Committee.

The Court further said that its earlier directions empowering the Committee to take necessary action and pass requisite orders would continue to operate.

The proceedings concern the ecological degradation and industrial pollution of the Jojari River and the wider Jojari-Bandi-Luni river system. The Supreme Court had earlier taken suo motu cognizance constituted a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee to prepare and oversee a river restoration and rejuvenation plan.

The matter will be next listed on September 22.

Case: In Re: 2 Million Lives At Risk, Contamination In Jojari River, Rajasthan, Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 8 of 2025

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