Supreme Court imposes 100-metre construction ban on Jojari River in Rajasthan

The Supreme Court of India has issued a sweeping ban on construction activities within 100 metres of the Jojari River in Rajasthan, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the seasonally flowing water body from further degradation. The directive represents the latest in a series of judicial interventions aimed at preserving the river's ecological integrity and ensuring its viability as a water resource.

The Jojari River has become increasingly vulnerable to contamination from industrial and urban development, creating severe challenges for water supply in a state already grappling with acute water scarcity. The pollution crisis has had direct consequences for approximately two million residents across Rajasthan who depend on the river's waters for drinking, irrigation, and other essential needs.

By instituting the 100-metre exclusion zone, the Supreme Court seeks to minimize human interference and prevent further deterioration of the river's water quality. The measure aims to create a protective buffer that will reduce runoff from construction debris, industrial discharge, and other pollutants that have historically compromised the water body.

The court's order underscores the judiciary's proactive stance on environmental conservation and water resource management in India's arid regions. Additional enforcement mechanisms and compliance monitoring are expected to accompany the directive to ensure that state authorities and relevant agencies strictly adhere to the construction restrictions.