SC Bars Construction Within 100 Metres Of Jojari River
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the interim order in a suo motu case concerning pollution in the river.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday prohibited construction or development activity within 100 metres of the Jojari river in Rajasthan.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the interim order in a suo motu case concerning pollution in the river.
Referring to the serious ecological degradation and widespread destruction of the riverine ecosystem, the court said a “definite and measurable area of protection” was necessary until the high flood line and ecological buffer zones were scientifically determined and demarcated.
It directed that no construction or development activity of any nature be permitted within 100 metres of the river’s edge.
As an additional interim safeguard, the court barred hazardous industries and activities capable of polluting or damaging the riverine ecosystem within 500 metres on either side of the existing flood line, wherever identified, or the river’s present flow path.
The restriction will remain in force until the scientific exercise to determine the high flood line and the required ecological buffer zones is completed.
The court posted the matter for hearing on September 22.
On August 7, it directed the Rajasthan government to constitute an Integrated Coordination Group, headed by the chief secretary, within a week to address contamination in the Jojari, Bandi and Luni rivers.
The Jojari flows through Jodhpur, while the Bandi passes through Pali and the Luni through Balotra. The Bandi and Jojari merge with the Luni near Balotra city.
