Case Title – IN RE: 2 MILLION LIVES AT RISK, CONTAMINATION IN JOJARI RIVER, RAJASTHAN
Citation – 2025 INSC 1341
Date – 21.11.2025
Hon’ble Supreme Court Bench – JUSTICE VIKRAM NATH & JUSTICE SANDEEP MEHTA
The Hon’ble Supreme Court strongly criticised the Rajasthan government for failing to act for decades to clean and restore the Jojari–Bandi–Luni river system in Western Rajasthan. The Hon’ble Court said the State should have taken action long ago because protecting the environment is a constitutional duty.
The Hon’ble Court has set up a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee, headed by a former High Court judge, to prepare a complete and time-bound plan to restore and rejuvenate the entire river system.
The case started after the Hon’ble Court took suo motu action based on a documentary titled “2 Million Lives at Risk | India’s Deadliest River”, which showed severe industrial pollution, lack of governance, and serious health problems affecting around 2 million people. The Hon’ble Court noted that Rajasthan began taking steps such as closing illegal industries, removing bypass lines, demolishing unauthorised units, and holding high level meetings, only after the Supreme Court intervened.
It said these actions, though useful, came too late, showing regulatory neglect and a long period where pollution continued unchecked. The Hon’ble Supreme Court said the new Committee is essential because the damage is widespread, the solutions are complex, and long-term monitoring is needed. The Hon’ble Court directed the State to act with full seriousness to protect the right to life, health, and a clean environment for current and future generations.
The matter will be heard again on 27 February 2026, when the first status report of the Committee will be submitted.
