SC bans 'construction, developmental activities' within 100m of Rajasthan's Jojari River, imposes 500m pollution buffer

New Delhi [India], August 24 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Monday imposed an interim ban on construction and development activities within 100 metres of the edge of the Jojari River in Rajasthan, citing serious ecological degradation and the need to protect the river ecosystem.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said the restrictions were necessary pending a scientific exercise to determine and demarcate the river's 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," the apex court said.
As an additional safeguard, the bench 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.
In areas where the flood line has not been identified, the restriction will apply within 500 metres on either side of the present flow path of the river.
These restrictions will remain in force until completion of the scientific exercise for determining and demarcating the high flood line and the requisite ecological buffer zones, said the bench.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 22.
The directions come in the suo motu case concerning contamination of the Jojari River, which the apex court has linked to widespread industrial pollution affecting around 2 million people.
The apex court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of pollution in the Jojari River in September 2025 following reports of extensive discharge of industrial effluents into the river and its adverse impact on the local population.
The proceedings also cover the broader Jojari-Bandi-Luni river system and concerns over industrial and municipal pollution.
Subsequently, the top court constituted a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee headed by former Rajasthan High Court judge Justice Sangeet Lodha to formulate a comprehensive plan for the restoration and rejuvenation of the Jojari-Bandi-Luni river system. (ANI)