Supreme Court Bans Construction Near Jojari River in Rajasthan

The Supreme Court of India ordered an interim ban on construction and development within 100 metres of the edge of Rajasthan’s Jojari River. The bench also barred hazardous industries and pollution-causing activities within 500 metres on either side of the river’s existing flood line or present flow path.

Jojari River and the Litigation

The matter is a suo motu environmental case titled In Re: 2 Million Lives At Risk, Contamination In Jojari River, Rajasthan. The proceedings began on 15 September 2025 after the court took note of industrial pollution in Western Rajasthan affecting areas linked to Jodhpur, Pali and Balotra.

Interim Restrictions and Scientific Demarcation

The restrictions will remain in force until the scientific exercise for demarcating the High Flood Line and ecological buffer zones is completed. The court linked the building ban to the need for a formal determination of flood-prone and environmentally sensitive areas along the river.

Administrative Directions in River Pollution Cases

On 7 August 2026, the Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to constitute an Integrated Coordination Group within seven days. The group was to be led by the Chief Secretary and to address contamination in the Jojari, Bandi and Luni rivers. The court also directed the state to set up an independent River Commission or River Rejuvenation Authority for restoration of polluted river systems. The bench clarified that the Integrated Coordination Group is an internal government arrangement and does not override the High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Supreme Court of India functions as the apex judicial body under Article 124 of the Constitution of India.
• A suo motu case is a proceeding initiated by a court on its own motion without a formal petition from a party.
• The High Flood Line is used in river management to mark the level up to which flood waters may rise in a given area.
• River rejuvenation bodies are used in India for pollution control, ecological restoration and basin-level coordination.

Environmental and Legal Context

Rivers such as the Jojari, Bandi and Luni are part of the river systems of western Rajasthan. Environmental litigation in India often involves pollution control, floodplain regulation and compliance with statutory and judicial directions.