1 week ago
Supreme Court Restricts Construction Near Polluted Rajasthan Jojari River
The Jojari River in Rajasthan has been polluted for many years.
People living nearby say the water smells bad and may contain harmful chemicals.
They have reported concerns about illness, farming and their livelihoods.
Some residents have also raised concerns about pregnancies and newborn health.
An expert said chemicals such as lead and cadmium can create risks for developing babies.
The Supreme Court has temporarily stopped construction close to the river.
It has also restricted pollution-causing activities farther away near the river’s flood area.
Scientists will study the river to decide the proper long-term safety zones.
A committee is working on a plan to clean and restore the river system.
The Supreme Court imposed an interim ban on construction within 100 metres of the Jojari River’s edge.
Pollution-causing industries and activities are barred within 500 metres of the identified high flood line.
The restrictions also apply along the river’s present flow path where its flood line remains unidentified.
Residents in nearly 50 villages and hamlets have reported health, livelihood and agricultural concerns linked to pollution.
A court-appointed committee is preparing a restoration plan, with the case scheduled for further hearing on September 22.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, nearby residents, industrial and municipal authorities, and a court-appointed ecosystem committee are involved.
- What
- The court imposed temporary construction and pollution-control restrictions while ordering a scientific assessment of the river’s flood line and ecological buffer.
- Where
- The restrictions cover the Jojari River in Rajasthan and the wider Jojari-Bandi-Luni river system.
- When
- The interim order was issued on Monday; the matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 22.
- Why
- The court cited severe ecological degradation and concerns over industrial and municipal pollution affecting communities and the river ecosystem.
Key facts
- Construction restriction
- No construction or development within 100 metres of the Jojari River’s edge.
- Pollution buffer
- Pollution-causing industries or activities are barred within 500 metres on either side of the identified high flood line.
- Unidentified flood line
- Until the flood line is identified, the 500-metre restriction applies from the river’s present flow path.
- Affected communities
- Nearly 50 villages and hamlets have reportedly dealt with polluted river water for almost two decades.
- Reported concerns
- Residents have raised concerns involving health, pregnancies, newborns, livelihoods and agriculture.
- Oversight committee
- The court appointed a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee headed by former Rajasthan High Court judge Justice Sangeet Lodha.
- Next hearing
- The case is listed for further hearing on September 22.
Sources
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