NEW DELHI — In a bid to save the Jojari river in Rajasthan, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday took suo motu cognizance of media reports about the severe pollution affecting the lives and livelihoods of two million people. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta will pass a comprehensive order on October 9 for the river’s restoration.
Industrial Discharge Renders River Toxic
The pollution has been primarily caused by the discharge of untreated wastewater from more than 400 steel rolling and textile units along the river’s course near Jodhpur. This untreated effluent has made the water unusable even for animals and has prompted the migration of people from over 50 villages along the Jodhpur-Barmer stretch.
A report from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board confirmed that the water contains toxic heavy metals, and its use by farmers for irrigation could have adverse health effects on humans. The report noted that key parameters like pH value, chemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids were found to be much higher than the prescribed standards.
Court Intervenes Amidst Pending Legal Battles
The Supreme Court bench acknowledged that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had already taken cognizance of the issue and issued remedial directions. However, the court was informed that several of the NGT’s orders have been challenged and are pending adjudication before the Supreme Court.
The pollution has not only impacted human health and agriculture but has also led to a severe loss of biodiversity, with flora and fauna disappearing from the area. The court’s upcoming order aims to provide an urgent and comprehensive solution to the crisis.