SC Blasts Rajasthan Govt: Chief Secy Held Liable for River Pollution

The Supreme Court has directly assigned personal responsibility to the Rajasthan Chief Secretary for addressing the severe toxic pollution in the Jojari and Bandi rivers. The court expressed grave concern over the environmental damage, noting that untreated industrial effluents had rendered a village drinking water source completely pink.

The bench emphasized that the health and lives of approximately 20 lakh people could not be jeopardized for economic activities or jobs. It was revealed that out of roughly 2,500 textile printing units in Jaipur, a mere 143 possessed valid permissions, and Zero Liquid Discharge norms mandated since 2015 had not been achieved.

Reports indicated systemic failures, including alleged official malfeasance in managing toxic water releases and bypassing treatment plants. The court rejected industry pleas for exemptions and ordered the state to file comprehensive affidavits on allegations and committee recommendations.

Furthermore, the court directed the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board to develop a plan for treating accumulated effluent and expedited land transfer for ecological restoration. It also sought explanations for not invoking graver legal provisions against polluters.