1 week ago
Supreme Court Bars Construction Near Rajasthan’s Jojari River
The Supreme Court has temporarily stopped construction close to the Jojari River in Rajasthan.
No building or development can take place within 100 metres of the river’s edge.
Factories and other activities that could harm the river are also prohibited within 500 metres of its flood line or current path.
The court wants to protect the river from more pollution and environmental damage.
Scientists must first work out the river’s highest flood level and the size of a safe environmental buffer.
These restrictions will remain until that work is finished.
The court previously ordered Rajasthan to create a group to address pollution in three rivers.
The case will be heard again on September 22.
The Supreme Court prohibited construction and development within 100 metres of Rajasthan’s Jojari River.
Hazardous industries and pollution-risk activities were barred within 500 metres of either side of the existing flood line or current flow path.
The interim restrictions address serious ecological degradation and destruction of the riverine ecosystem.
The restrictions will continue until scientific studies identify the high flood line and ecological buffer zones.
The court also directed Rajasthan to establish a coordination group addressing pollution in the Jojari, Bandi and Luni rivers.
- Who
- The Supreme Court Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, along with the Rajasthan government and an Integrated Coordination Group.
- What
- The court prohibited construction within 100 metres of the Jojari River and barred hazardous or pollution-risk activities within 500 metres of the existing flood line or present flow path.
- Where
- The restrictions apply along the Jojari River in Rajasthan; the related pollution concerns also involve the Bandi and Luni rivers.
- When
- The interim order was passed on Monday; the matter is scheduled for hearing on September 22, following an August 7 direction to form a coordination group.
- Why
- The court cited serious ecological degradation and widespread destruction of the riverine ecosystem while awaiting scientific identification of flood lines and ecological buffer zones.
Key facts
- Construction buffer
- No construction or development is permitted within 100 metres of the Jojari River’s edge.
- Hazardous activity buffer
- Hazardous industries and activities capable of polluting or damaging the ecosystem are barred within 500 metres on either side of the existing flood line or present flow path.
- Duration
- The restrictions remain in force until the high flood line and ecological buffer zones are scientifically determined and demarcated.
- Court bench
- Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued the interim order.
- Next hearing
- The matter is scheduled for September 22.
- Coordination group
- Rajasthan was directed on August 7 to form an Integrated Coordination Group headed by the chief secretary.
- Rivers involved
- The pollution-related case concerns the Jojari, Bandi and Luni rivers.
Sources
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