Document ff20ac84-68e5-4ee7-9781-eb9096eb3fb7

2026 INSC 812
REPORTABLE
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
INHERENT/CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

SUO MOTO WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO(S). 8 OF 2025

IN RE: 2 MILLION LIVES AT RISK,
CONTAMINATION IN JOJARI RIVER,
RAJASTHAN

WITH

CIVIL APPEAL NO(S). 5517-5519 OF 2022

CIVIL APPEAL NO(S). 8748 OF 2022

CIVIL APPEAL NO(S). 9057-9058 OF 2022

CIVIL APPEAL NO(S). 9010-9011 OF 2022

O R D E R
Mehta, J.
st
1. This Court, vide order dated 21 July, 2026,
took on record the Second Status Report submitted
1
by the High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee ,
along with its comments on the First Status Report
2
of the Special Investigation Team. During the course
Signature Not Verified

1
Hereinafter, being referred to as the “Committee”.
2
Hereinafter, being referred to as the “SIT”.
Digitally signed by
NEETU KHAJURIA
Date: 2026.08.07
14:24:59 IST
Reason:
1

of the hearing, this Court also handed over to Mr.
S.V. Raju, learned Additional Solicitor General
appearing for the State of Rajasthan, copies of certain
newspaper reports highlighting matters of grave
environmental concern across different regions of the
State. Upon consideration of the Committee’s reports
and the aforesaid newspaper reports, this Court
noted prima facie material disclosing grave
environmental concerns, including widespread
contamination of water bodies, discharge of
untreated industrial effluents, degradation of
groundwater, agricultural lands and wildlife habitats,
possible encroachments upon riverbeds and
floodplains, deficiencies in the identification of High
Flood Line and buffer zones, and ex facie systemic
failures in regulatory enforcement. The Committee
had also highlighted issues concerning ecological
restoration, protection of riverine ecosystems,
strengthening of the institutional framework
governing river basin management, and the
functioning of the Common Effluent Treatment Plant
(CETP), Sangariya, warranting immediate attention.
2. Having regard to the seriousness and emergent
nature of the issues brought to its notice, this Court
2

issued a series of interim directions, inter alia ,
permitting the Committee to examine representations
of White Category industries for appropriate relief;
directing the State of Rajasthan to facilitate transfer
of identified lands to the Forest Department for
ecological restoration; requiring the Rajasthan State
3
Pollution Control Board to prepare and implement,
under the Committee’s supervision, a scientific plan
for the treatment and safe disposal of the
accumulated effluents at CETP, Sangariya without
permitting resumption of industrial operations; and
directing the State to file comprehensive affidavits
responding to the Committee’s findings and the
environmental concerns reflected in the newspaper
reports. The Court further required the State to
explain the non-invocation of graver penal provisions
in environmental prosecutions, directed immediate
consideration of such offences particularly those
under Sections 272, 326(a), and 326(c) of the
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and for offences
punishable under the Prevention of Damage to Public
Property Act, 1984 in pending and future cases,

3
For short, “RSPCB”.
3

made the Chief Secretary personally responsible for
ensuring compliance with the Court’s directions, and
directed his appearance through virtual mode on the
next date of hearing.
st
3.
Pursuant to the aforesaid order dated 21 July,
2026, the State of Rajasthan has placed on record (i)
a Report of the Special Investigation Team in
compliance with the directions issued by this Court;
and (ii) a comprehensive Compliance Report on
behalf of the State, detailing the steps taken in
furtherance of the directions contained in the
aforesaid order. The State has also brought on record
the factual position, after due verification, with
regard to the newspaper reports handed over to the
learned Additional Solicitor General during the
course of the previous hearing, including the action
taken by the concerned authorities, the
responsibility, if any, fixed, and the remedial
measures proposed to address the environmental
concerns highlighted therein. The reports further set
out the progress made by the State authorities in
implementing the directions issued by this Court and
the measures undertaken towards ensuring
compliance with the previous order.
4

4. We have carefully perused the Report submitted
by the SIT. The Report indicates that the SIT has
undertaken a comprehensive review of 16 criminal
cases relating to riverine pollution in the Districts of
Jodhpur, Pali and Balotra, of which four First
Information Reports have been registered pursuant
to its constitution. It is further stated that all the
reviewed cases have been examined to ascertain
whether the offences disclosed therein warranted
invocation of the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya
Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Prevention of Damage
to Public Property Act, 1984, and wherever a prima
facie case was found to exist, the said provisions have
been invoked and consequential orders passed
accordingly. The Report further records that a few
persons have been arrested and that the investigation
is progressing on multiple fronts, including the
collection of documentary, oral and digital evidence,
such as CCTV footage, photographs and videography.
5. The SIT has stated that the material collected
during the course of investigation prima facie
indicates connivance amongst officials of the
5

4
Common Effluent Treatment Plants and their
member industrial units in facilitating the discharge
of untreated industrial effluents by deliberately
bypassing the prescribed treatment process. It has
further been stated that the samples collected by the
SIT are presently undergoing scientific examination
and that the reports thereof are awaited.
Simultaneously, several technical aspects, including
the SCADA inflow and outflow data, are under
detailed analytical examination. The investigation is
also stated to be tracing the financial and
institutional trail underlying the alleged offences,
while independently examining the role of public
servants, without fear or favour. The Report further
discloses that several preventive measures have been
put in place, including intensified surveillance,
deployment of Quick Response Teams, joint
nakabandi operations and installation of CCTV
cameras to prevent any further illegal discharge of
untreated industrial effluents. The SIT has, therefore,
prayed for grant of further time to carry the
investigation to its logical conclusion, submitting

4
For short, “CETPs”.
6

that any premature closure of the investigation may
leave material investigative leads unexplored and
defeat the very purpose for which the SIT was
constituted by this Court.
6.
Having considered the progress reflected in the
Report, it superficially appears that the SIT has taken
substantial steps in furtherance of the mandate
entrusted to it by this Court. However, it is
noteworthy that the steps for invocation of graver
offences and the arrests were effected only when the
matter was nearing the date fixed by this Court. This
puts a question mark on the bona fides of the SIT’s
actions. The officials concerned are thus, advised to
act with due promptness and efficacy. We are of the
further opinion that extensive investigation is
necessary to completely unearth the entire
conspiracy and, therefore, a more deeper probe must
be carried out by the SIT. The allegations involved
disclose issues of considerable public importance,
having serious ramifications for environmental
governance, public health and institutional
accountability. It is, therefore, imperative that the SIT
examines each and every facet of the matter in a fair,
comprehensive and impartial manner, without fear or
7

favour and uninfluenced by the position or status of
any person. The investigation shall not remain
confined to the immediate acts of illegal discharge of
untreated industrial effluents but shall go to the root
of the matter by identifying the complete chain of
events, the decision-making processes, the financial
and institutional mechanisms employed, and the
involvement of all persons, whether private
individuals, industrial entities or public officials. The
role of every public servant whose conduct comes
under scrutiny shall be independently verified on the
basis of legally admissible evidence, and if any
dereliction of statutory duty, abuse of official
position, omission or commission facilitating the
commission of the offences is disclosed, appropriate
action shall be taken strictly in accordance with law.
We direct the SIT to continue the investigation with
an enhanced degree of diligence, professionalism and
independence, so that every person against whom
credible evidence emerges is proceeded against in
accordance with law, without exception.
7. We have also perused the comprehensive
response filed by the State of Rajasthan pursuant to
st
the directions contained in the order dated 21 July,
8

2026, particularly the factual position placed on
record with respect to the newspaper reports handed
over to the learned Additional Solicitor General
during the previous hearing. Insofar as the report
concerning the alleged pink coloration of the pond
near the Jojari River at Tanawada is concerned, the
State has placed on record that the matter was
immediately taken up by the District Administration
and a series of remedial and preventive measures
were undertaken, including drone surveys,
inspections to detect illegal pipelines, constitution of
surveillance teams, regular checking of vehicles
suspected of transporting untreated effluents,
scientific sampling of the pond water, and installation
of CCTV cameras. The State has further stated that
the RSPCB has engaged the Indian Institute of
Technology, Jodhpur to undertake a detailed
scientific assessment of the phenomenon. The
preliminary opinion furnished by Indian Institute of
Technology, Jodhpur indicates that, while the
contribution of saline textile wastewater cannot be
ruled out, the available material does not establish
any specific dye or identifiable discharge source. The
Institute has opined that the pink coloration is most
9

likely attributable to a combination of saline and
organic contamination from one or more
anthropogenic or natural sources, coupled with
evaporation, stagnation and microbial activity, while
observing that river seepage and idol immersion
appear to be comparatively less probable causes. The
report has recommended further scientific
investigations, including specialised sampling,
microscopic and molecular analyses, targeted dye
screening, and other technical studies over a period
of 10-12 weeks. The State has submitted that the
recommendations of IIT Jodhpur are under
examination for implementation. We direct that the
remedial recommendations shall be implemented
expeditiously and without any further delay, subject
to the approval of the Committee.
8. Insofar as the second newspaper report
concerning the Sanganer-Dravyavati-Nevta region is
concerned, the State has placed on record the
existing regulatory framework governing the textile
processing units operating in the Sanganer area. It
has been stated that 1,767 textile processing units
have been identified, of which 892 units are members
of the 12.3 MLD Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)-based
10

CETP, while 875 units remain outside the CETP
network. The State has explained that the CETP is
presently operating below its designed capacity owing
to incomplete connectivity of the remaining member
units and the non-operational status of the Reverse
Osmosis reject management system. The State has
also placed on record the stringent regulatory and
enforcement measures undertaken against
defaulting industries, including issuance of closure
directions under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 against 814
industrial units, initiation of prosecutions against the
management of the CETP as well as 37 illegally
operating textile processing units, imposition of
environmental compensation upon the CETP, and
the ongoing sealing drive pursuant to which 65
industrial units have already been sealed.
9. The State has further submitted that
continuous efforts are being made to bring all textile
processing units within the statutory regime,
complete the remaining conveyance infrastructure
and operationalise the CETP at its full designed
capacity. In this regard, both short-term and long-
term measures are stated to be under
11

implementation, including completion of the
remaining pumping infrastructure, SCADA-based
monitoring of effluent discharge, installation of
individual Zero Liquid Discharge systems by non-
member units, and establishment of an additional
CETP for units presently outside the existing
treatment network. The State has also placed on
record that, with a view to strengthening sewage
management in the region, the Dravyavati River
Rejuvenation Project has been implemented, under
which five Sewage Treatment Plants having a
cumulative treatment capacity of 170 Million Litres
per Day have been established and approximately 47
kilometres of the Dravyavati River channel has been
restored. According to the State, these measures are
intended to prevent further pollution while ensuring
sustainable treatment, reuse and monitoring of
wastewater in the region.
10. With regard to the third newspaper report
alleging contamination of the Morel Dam on account
of industrial effluents originating from the Sanganer-
Sitapura industrial belt, the State has placed on
record that the Morel Dam is fed by the Dhund and
Morel rivers and that, pursuant to the publication of
12

the news report, officials of the RSPCB conducted an
th
inspection of the dam on 30 July, 2026. During the
inspection, the reservoir was found to exhibit algal
bloom and patches of water hyacinth, though no foul
odour or mortality of fish, birds or animals was
noticed. Water samples were collected from the Morel
Dam, the confluence of the Dhund and Morel rivers,
the Dhund River and a nearby groundwater source
for scientific analysis. While the analytical reports of
the recently collected samples are awaited, the State
has submitted that the earlier laboratory analyses
did not disclose the presence of heavy metals such as
Nickel, Chromium, Lead or Cadmium beyond the
prescribed limits, though the presence of
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical
Oxygen Demand (COD) indicated the possible
presence of sewage and/or industrial effluents in the
water. The State has further placed on record that
there has been no sudden decline in crop yield,
reduction in the area under cultivation or adverse
impact on soil fertility in the command area of the
Morel Dam and has assured this Court that
appropriate action shall be taken upon receipt of the
analytical reports of the recently collected samples.
13

11. We have further considered the response
furnished by the State to the recommendations
contained in the Second Status Report of the
Committee. It is evident that the State has accepted
several of the principal recommendations of the
Committee and has placed on record the measures
initiated towards their implementation. In particular,
the State has accepted the recommendations relating
to the removal and treatment of the accumulated
wastewater at the Ambey Valley and Khed HRTS/SEP
sites. It has been stated that an Action Plan has
already been prepared for treatment of the
accumulated wastewater at the CETP, Balotra upon
resumption of its operations. The State has further
placed on record that the CETP has discontinued the
use of the Ambey Valley HRTS for disposal of treated
or untreated wastewater in compliance with the
directions issued by the RSPCB; that the pipelines
connecting the CETP to the HRTS have been
dismantled; that nearly 200 Million Litres of
accumulated wastewater is presently stored at the
site; and that desludging operations have
commenced, pursuant to which approximately
1105.08 Metric Tonnes of hazardous sludge has
14

already been scientifically disposed of at an
authorised Common Treatment, Storage and
5
Disposal Facility. Insofar as the Khed HRTS/SEP
site is concerned, the State has stated that
reclamation and restoration works have already
commenced; out of the nine ponds, four have already
been dismantled, approximately 332 Metric Tonnes
of hazardous sludge has been scientifically removed
and disposed of at the authorised CTDF, and
directions have been issued by the RSPCB for
complete removal of the remaining sludge before any
further reclamation or restoration activity is
undertaken.
12. The State has also accepted the
recommendation relating to in-situ treatment of the
accumulated wastewater in the Nehda Dam reservoir.
In this regard, technical assistance has been
obtained from the Indian Institute of Technology,
Madras, which has opined that in-situ remediation is
feasible, subject to effective prevention of further
inflow of polluted water. The report recommends
deployment of appropriate treatment technologies,

5
For short, “CTDF”.
15

including solar-operated surface aerators and
installation of real-time monitoring systems for
continuous assessment of water quality. The State
has further informed this Court that the
recommendations of Indian Institute of Technology,
Madras have already been forwarded to the
concerned departments for implementation and that
continuous surveillance is being maintained to
ensure that no industrial discharge enters the
concerned water bodies.
13. The response further indicates that the process
for preparation of comprehensive river restoration
blueprints for the rivers Luni, Jojari and Bandi has
been undertaken. The State has stated that the
requisite surveys and verifications for determination
of the High Flood Line and buffer zones are presently
under progress in consultation with the concerned
District Environment Committees. It has also been
brought on record that comprehensive river
restoration blueprints based on the revenue records
have already been prepared and submitted for
finalisation, while the blueprint pertaining to the
Bandi River is under rectification. The State has
further informed this Court that steps have been
16

taken to reactivate the Rajasthan River Basin and
Water Resources Planning Authority for integrated
river basin management.
14. The Report further indicates that substantial
steps have been undertaken by the State authorities
in compliance with the recommendations of the
Committee and the directions issued by this Court
st
vide order dated 21 July, 2026. The State has placed
on record that the process for transfer of the
ecologically significant lands near the villages Dhawa
and Doli to the Forest Department has been initiated
for their development and preservation as forest and
grassland ecosystems. In this regard, meetings have
been convened under the Chairmanship of the
District Collector, Jodhpur; consequential directions
have been issued to the Jodhpur Development
Authority for transfer of the subject lands; and
proposals have already been forwarded to the Urban
Development Department for issuance of the
requisite notifications and consequential orders. The
Compliance Report further records that, in relation to
the accumulated effluent at the CETP, Sangariya, the
RSPCB has collected samples for scientific analysis,
conducted inspections to ascertain the quantity of
17

accumulated wastewater, engaged the Indian
Institute of Technology, Jodhpur for recommending
appropriate remedial measures, and initiated
implementation of its recommendation for time-
bound, controlled chemical treatment of the
accumulated wastewater under scientific
supervision, while ensuring that no industrial
operations recommence without due permission of
this Court.
15. The Report also demonstrates that the
directions issued by this Court have been taken up
for implementation at the highest administrative
level. It has been stated that the Chief Secretary,
Government of Rajasthan, convened a meeting of all
the concerned Departments and stakeholder
th
associations on 27 July, 2026 to review the issues
arising in the present proceedings and the measures
required for effective implementation of this Court’s
directions. The stakeholder associations have
thereafter submitted their respective representations
and action plans, and a further review meeting has
also been scheduled to monitor the progress of the
proposed measures. The Report further states that
the directions issued by this Court regarding the
18

invocation of graver penal provisions have been acted
upon by the SIT by incorporating the relevant
offences wherever warranted during the course of
investigation.
16.
We have heard Mr. S.V. Raju, learned Additional
Solicitor General and Mr. Shiv Mangal Sharma,
learned Additional Advocate General appearing for
the State of Rajasthan; Mr. Pallav Sisodia and Mr.
Dama S. Naidu, learned senior counsel; Mr. Avishkar
Singhvi and other learned counsel appearing for the
respective parties; Mr. Digvijay Singh Jasol,
appearing in person; and the Chief Secretary,
Government of Rajasthan (appearing through video
conferencing).
17. During the course of the hearing, learned
counsel appearing for certain White Category
Industries submitted that, pursuant to the liberty
st
granted by this Court vide order dated 21 July,
2026, the concerned industrial units have already
submitted representations before the Committee
seeking de-sealing of their premises and permission
to recommence operations. It was submitted that the
Committee has, in terms of the said order, conducted
physical inspections of the concerned industrial
19

units. However, no final orders have yet been passed
on the representations. Learned counsel submitted
that the continued closure of such industrial units is
adversely affecting the livelihood of a large number of
workers and employees dependent thereon. It was,
therefore, requested that the Committee may be
requested to take an appropriate decision on the
pending representations, one way or the other, within
a reasonable time.
18. Having bestowed our anxious consideration to
the trajectory of the present proceedings over the last
nine months, the successive reports submitted by the
Committee, the comprehensive replies and
compliance reports placed on record by the State of
Rajasthan, and the submissions advanced by the
learned counsel appearing for the respective parties,
we are of the considered opinion that the material
placed on record clearly demonstrates severe
degradation of the riverine ecosystem, contamination
of water bodies, illegal discharge of industrial
effluents, deficiencies in land-use regulation,
challenges related to the protection of wildlife
habitats and restoration of the affected ecology. All
these issues involve the functioning of multiple
20

Departments and statutory authorities of the State
and cannot be effectively addressed through
fragmented departmental interventions. The nature
and complexity of these issues necessitate a
coordinated, multidisciplinary and institutional
response extending across different administrative
levels of the State Government.
19. In our considered view, the multiplicity of
stakeholders involved in the present matter,
including the Departments of Environment, Forest,
Water Resources, Urban Development, Industries,
Revenue, Local Self Government, Agriculture, the
RSPCB and other statutory authorities, renders it
imperative that an Integrated Coordination Group be
constituted by the State of Rajasthan. Such a
mechanism shall ensure effective inter-departmental
coordination, facilitate timely implementation of the
recommendations made by the Committee and the
consequential directions issued by this Court,
monitor the progress of ecological restoration and
pollution control measures, resolve issues requiring
policy-level intervention, and periodically review
compliances so that the measures undertaken by the
different authorities form part of a cohesive and
21

integrated strategy rather than isolated departmental
initiatives. The constitution of the said Group shall
also facilitate continuous and effective coordination
with the Committee, enable expeditious
consideration and implementation of the
Committee’s recommendations, ensure timely
exchange of information, technical inputs, and
administrative support and avoid duplication of
efforts, thereby advancing a coordinated, effective
and result-oriented approach towards restoration of
the riverine ecosystem and protection of the
environment.
20. Having emphasized the necessity of an
integrated institutional mechanism for effective
implementation of the measures directed by this
Court, we now proceed to identify certain critical
issues which, in our considered opinion, require
immediate and time-bound remedial intervention.
Foremost amongst them is the protection and
restoration of the Jojari-Bandi-Luni river ecosystem.
The reports of the Committee, demonstrates that
effective rejuvenation of the Jojari-Bandi-Luni river
system cannot be achieved unless the river corridor
is scientifically identified, mapped and protected. The
22

absence of a scientifically determined High Flood Line
and corresponding ecological buffer zones has
facilitated indiscriminate industrial development,
encroachments upon the riverbed and floodplains
and consequent degradation of the river ecosystem.
We are, therefore, of the considered view that the
State must undertake a comprehensive scientific
exercise for determination and demarcation of the
High Flood Line and the requisite ecological buffer
zone qua all the river systems in the State in
consultation with the Committee and such expert
institutions as may be considered appropriate. Until
the completion of the aforesaid exercise, no fresh
permissions facilitating industrial, commercial or
residential development within the identified river
corridors shall be granted by any Department,
statutory authority or local body of the State of
Rajasthan.
21. Equally important is the issue relating to the
HRTS facilities at Ambey Valley and Khed. The
material on record indicates that these facilities were
conceived only as temporary arrangements and
cannot be permitted to continue as repositories of
accumulated industrial wastewater. While the State
23

has initiated desludging, treatment and reclamation
measures, it is imperative that the entire quantity of
accumulated wastewater is scientifically treated and
disposed of in accordance with the applicable
environmental norms within a time-bound
framework. Immediately thereafter, all RCC storage
tanks and associated infrastructure at the HRTS
sites shall be dismantled and the land restored
through scientifically approved ecological restoration
measures under the supervision of the Committee,
which shall periodically monitor the progress of the
exercise. The reclaimed land shall thereafter be
developed as a green ecological zone/urban forest
through plantation of native species and biodiversity
conservation measures, under the supervision of the
Committee and the Forest Department, so as to
secure long-term ecological restoration of the area
and enhance the environmental resilience of the
riverine ecosystem.
22. The present proceedings have also revealed that
the environmental degradation affecting the river
system is not merely the result of isolated violations
by individual industries but reflects the absence of an
integrated institutional framework for river basin
24

governance. The material placed on record further
indicates that the Rajasthan River Basin and Water
Resources Planning Authority, envisaged as the
nodal institution for integrated river basin
management, has become largely defunct and has
failed to effectively discharge the functions for which
it was constituted. Accordingly, we direct the State of
Rajasthan to constitute an independent and
adequately empowered River Commission/River
Rejuvenation Authority for the State of Rajasthan,
with a mandate to oversee the conservation,
rejuvenation and integrated management of rivers
and river basins, including the scientific
determination and demarcation of the High Flood
Line and the protection of riverine ecosystems
throughout the State. Having regard to the
magnitude and importance of the task, for the
present, we direct that the said River
Commission/River Rejuvenation Authority shall
function under the chairmanship of the Chief
Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, who shall be at
liberty to associate such officers, domain experts and
technical institutions as may be considered
necessary for the effective discharge of its functions.
25

The constitution, organisational framework,
modalities, scope, powers and functions of the said
Commission/Authority, together with the proposed
implementation mechanism, shall be placed before
this Court by the next date of hearing.
23. The reports placed before us further indicate
that excessive dependence upon CETPs has resulted
in operational overload, transportation of industrial
effluents over long distances and consequent
environmental risks. It has, therefore, become
necessary to progressively promote decentralised
treatment of industrial effluents. In our considered
opinion, the State Government may examine the
feasibility of encouraging industrial units generating
100 Kilo Litres per Day or more of industrial effluents
to establish and operate Captive Effluent Treatment
Plants (ETPs), wherever technically and economically
feasible and subject to such regulatory safeguards as
may be considered appropriate. The competent
authority, i.e., the RSPCB shall ensure that all
pending applications seeking permission for
establishment of Captive Effluent Treatment Plants
are processed and decided expeditiously, in
26

accordance with law, so as to facilitate decentralised
treatment of industrial wastewater.
24. Insofar as industries generating less than 100
Kilo Litres per Day of industrial effluents are
concerned, the State Government and the RSPCB
may consider formulation of an appropriate policy to
encourage and incentivise the establishment of
Captive Effluent Treatment Plants, wherever
technically and economically feasible, so as to
progressively reduce dependence upon CETPs and
strengthen decentralised treatment of industrial
wastewater with the ultimate objective of achieving
zero liquid discharge. At the same time, the
establishment of Captive Effluent Treatment Plants
cannot be viewed as a substitute for a robust
common treatment infrastructure. Hence, earnest
efforts are required to be made to maximise the
capacity utilisation and operational efficiency of the
existing CETPs, complete the remaining conveyance
infrastructure to ensure that all eligible industrial
units are connected thereto, and examine the
feasibility of establishing additional CETPs in
appropriate industrial clusters to cater to small and
medium industrial units which may not be in a
27

position, either technically or financially, to establish
and operate Captive Effluent Treatment Plants.
25. Another issue of considerable concern relates to
the proposed RIICO Industrial Area, Kakani. The
material placed before this Court by the Committee
indicates that the proposed industrial area has been
developed in close proximity to the Luni River, with
approximately 12.805 hectares falling within the
apparent High Flood Area, while no scientifically
determined ecological buffer has been maintained.
The Committee has observed that the existing
boundary wall of the industrial area itself adjoins the
apparent high flood/riverine area and that the
proposed textile-processing units would, in effect, be
located merely 30 to 60 metres therefrom. The
Committee has further noticed that the layout plan
itself acknowledges the existence of land falling
within the High Flood Line and contemplates
construction of a protection embankment to prevent
submergence during floods. Such circumstances,
coupled with the absence of a scientifically
determined High Flood Line and buffer zone, disclose
a serious risk of contamination of the river system
through effluent discharge, seepage, storm-water
28

runoff and flood-related dispersion of pollutants. We
also take note of the subsequent communications
issued by the Water Resources Department, RIICO
and the RSPCB, whereby further allotment of plots
and grant of statutory consents in the said industrial
area have been kept in abeyance pending further
examination.
26. We are of the considered view that industrial
development in close proximity to an active river
corridor or the High Flood Area cannot be permitted
in a manner that compromises the ecological integrity
of the river system. Accordingly, upon the scientific
determination and demarcation of the High Flood
Line and the requisite ecological buffer, the
Integrated Coordination Group in consultation with
the Committee, shall undertake a comprehensive
review of the layout of the proposed RIICO Industrial
Area, Kakani. If any portion of the proposed
industrial area is found to fall within or encroaches
upon or adversely affects the High Flood Line,
floodplains or the ideal ecological buffer, the State
Government shall take appropriate corrective
measures, including modification of the layout,
relocation or shifting of the affected industrial plots
29

and adoption of all such engineering, environmental
and regulatory safeguards as may be necessary to
secure complete protection of the river corridor and
the riverine ecosystem. The State shall further ensure
that no untreated or inadequately treated industrial
effluent, contaminated storm-water or any other
effluent-laden discharge enters the river system,
either directly or indirectly, and that all industrial
activities in the area are carried out in strict
conformity with the applicable environmental norms
and the ecological safeguards.
27. Similar concerns arise in relation to the Ambey
Valley Industrial Park situated in the vicinity of the
Luni River. The Committee has noticed
prima facie
irregularities concerning the conversion of
agricultural land, deviation from the Master Plan,
issuance of for industrial purposes in an area
pattas
earmarked for residential use, and the development
of industrial plots in close proximity to, and in certain
cases apparently within, the riverbed and the high
flood area. The Committee has also recorded serious
deficiencies in the maintenance of official records,
including the non-availability of the layout approval
file and several files relating to allotment of plots.
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Such circumstances warrant a comprehensive
examination by the competent authorities. The Chief
Secretary, Government of Rajasthan shall, therefore,
undertake an appropriate inquiry into the legality of
the land-use conversions, approvals and allotments
made in respect of the Ambey Valley Industrial Park
and direct such remedial, regulatory and corrective
measures as may be warranted in accordance with
law.
28. Protection and sustainable management of
groundwater resources constitute an equally
important aspect of environmental restoration in the
present matter. Excessive dependence upon
groundwater for industrial purposes, coupled with
contamination of surface water bodies, has placed
considerable stress on the groundwater resources
and has contributed to the progressive depletion of
the water table in the affected regions. The State
Government shall, therefore, formulate a
comprehensive strategy for sustainable groundwater
management, including regulation of groundwater
extraction by industrial units, promotion of reuse
and recycling of treated wastewater, augmentation of
groundwater recharge, periodic assessment and
31

monitoring of groundwater levels and quality, and
adoption of such other scientific and regulatory
measures as may be necessary to ensure long-term
conservation and sustainable utilisation of
groundwater resources. We emphasize that no
industries which are water intensive shall be
henceforth permitted in areas which have been
identified as dark zones (over-exploited zones) with
reference to the groundwater availability.
st
29. Vide order dated 21 July, 2026, this Court had
directed the State of Rajasthan and all concerned
authorities to take expeditious steps for issuance of
all necessary notifications and consequential orders
for transfer of the lands referred to in the
th
communications dated 7 July, 2026 issued by the
Office of the Deputy Forest Conservator (Wildlife),
Jodhpur, together with any further communications
issued in that behalf, to the Forest Department, so as
to facilitate their development and preservation as
forest and grassland ecosystems. The Compliance
Report placed before this Court indicates that the
State Government has initiated the process in
furtherance of the aforesaid directions. It has been
brought on record that meetings have been convened
32

under the Chairmanship of the District Collector,
Jodhpur; consequential directions have been issued
to the Jodhpur Development Authority for transfer of
the subject lands; and proposals have been
forwarded to the Urban Development Department for
issuance of the requisite notifications and
consequential orders. This process shall now be
expedited and taken to its logical conclusion at the
earliest. The State Government shall ensure that all
necessary notifications and consequential orders are
issued within a reasonable time so that the identified
lands stand transferred to the Forest Department
without any further delay. Thereafter, the Forest
Department shall undertake appropriate ecological
restoration measures, including afforestation,
grassland development, habitat improvement,
biodiversity conservation and protection of wildlife
corridors, in consultation with the Committee.
30. We have also been apprised about the issue of
encroachments and illegal mining upon riverbeds,
floodplains and other environmentally sensitive
areas. Such encroachments and illegal mining
activities adversely affect the natural course of rivers,
reduce flood-carrying capacity, impair ecological
33

functions and increase the risk of environmental
degradation. The Integrated Coordination Group
shall ensure a comprehensive survey for
identification of all encroachments and illegal mining
sites within the riverbeds, High Flood Line and
ecological buffer zones of the Jojari-Bandi-Luni river
system and shall initiate appropriate proceedings for
the removal of encroachments and abatement of
illegal mining activities in accordance with law. The
exercise shall be carried out in a phased and time-
bound manner after following due process, with due
regard to the recommendations of the Committee and
the scientific determination of the High Flood Line, so
as to restore and preserve the integrity of the riverine
ecosystem.
31. The aforesaid issues are of pivotal importance to
the effective restoration of the riverine ecosystem and
the long-term protection of the environment in the
State of Rajasthan. The issues identified during the
course of these proceedings are closely interlinked
and cannot be addressed through isolated
interventions. They require a coordinated,
multidisciplinary and sustained approach involving
continuous consultation amongst the various
34

stakeholders, scientific institutions and regulatory
authorities. In our considered opinion, these issues
merit the highest priority and must be addressed
with the utmost sincerity, commitment and
institutional coordination.
32. We further provide that the Integrated
Coordination Group shall hold consultative
deliberations with the Committee on the various
issues arising in the present proceedings, including
the recommendations made by the Committee from
time to time. Such deliberations would facilitate the
formulation of a Comprehensive Resolution Plan,
incorporating clearly identified objectives,
measurable action points, defined responsibilities of
the concerned Departments and authorities, realistic
timelines, and an effective implementation and
monitoring framework. In our opinion, such an
integrated roadmap would provide the necessary
administrative coherence and institutional continuity
for addressing the environmental concerns which
have engaged the attention of this Court and would
considerably strengthen the implementation of the
measures envisaged in these proceedings. The
Integrated Coordination Group, while formulating the
35

aforesaid Resolution Plan, shall also take into
consideration the latest technological advancements,
including digitisation of land records, geo-spatial and
satellite mapping, Geographic Information System
(GIS)-based monitoring, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-
enabled surveillance and analytics, and such other
technological tools which may facilitate effective
environmental governance, monitoring and
enforcement.
33. In view of the foregoing discussion, the material
placed on record, the successive reports submitted by
the Committee and the SIT, the compliance reports
filed by the State of Rajasthan, and the submissions
advanced on behalf of the respective parties, we are
of the considered opinion that certain further
directions have become imperative to ensure effective
implementation of the measures already initiated,
secure institutional coordination amongst the
concerned authorities, and facilitate the long-term
restoration and protection of the riverine ecosystem
and the environment in the State of Rajasthan.
Accordingly, we issue the following directions: -
A. The State of Rajasthan shall, within a period of
seven days, constitute an “Integrated
36

Coordination Group” headed by the Chief
Secretary who shall be at liberty to include in
the said group senior officers of the concerned
Departments of the State Government,
including the Departments of Environment,
Forest, Water Resources, Industries, Urban
Development, Revenue, Local Self Government,
Agriculture, the RSPCB and such other
statutory authorities and experts as may be
considered necessary, so as to ensure effective
inter-departmental coordination and
implementation of the directions issued by this
Court.
B. The Integrated Coordination Group shall hold
detailed consultative deliberations with the
Committee on the issues highlighted in the
present order, the previous orders passed by
this Court, the recommendations made by the
Committee from time to time, and such other
ancillary or connected issues as may arise
during the course of such deliberations, with a
view to evolving an integrated, coordinated and
time-bound framework for implementation of
the measures contemplated herein.
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C. Upon completion of the aforesaid deliberative
exercise, the Integrated Coordination Group, in
consultation with the Committee, shall prepare
a Comprehensive Resolution Plan for prevention
of environmental degradation, pollution
abatement, ecological restoration, conservation
of riverine ecosystems, protection of
groundwater resources, preservation of
biodiversity and strengthening of the
institutional framework governing river basin
management. The Resolution Plan shall identify
the action points, the authority responsible for
implementation, the implementation
framework, measurable milestones and definite
timelines for completion of each component.
D. The Integrated Coordination Group shall
function under the overall supervision and
chairmanship of the Chief Secretary,
Government of Rajasthan, who shall
periodically review the implementation of the
Resolution Plan and ensure effective inter-
departmental coordination.
E. The CETPs, industrial units through their
recognised associations, trade bodies, and any
38

other stakeholder having a direct interest in the
issues arising in the present proceedings shall
be at liberty to submit representations before
the Integrated Coordination Group as well as
the Committee. Any such representation/s
shall be considered on its own merits and in
accordance with law, keeping in view the larger
objective of environmental protection and
sustainable development. However, there shall
be no requirement to provide oral audience in
the exercise to be conducted by the Integrated
Coordination Group.
F. The Integrated Coordination Group, after
holding due consultations with the Committee,
shall formulate and place before this Court,
within a period of three weeks from the date of
its constitution, a Comprehensive Resolution
Plan, containing clearly identified action points,
implementation timelines, monitoring
mechanisms and the responsibilities of the
concerned Departments and statutory
authorities.
G. The State of Rajasthan shall constitute an
independent and adequately empowered River
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Commission/River Rejuvenation Authority for
the State of Rajasthan, with a mandate to
oversee the conservation, rejuvenation and
integrated management of rivers, river basins
and catchment areas, including the scientific
determination and demarcation of the High
Flood Line, protection of riverine ecosystems
and coordinated river basin governance
throughout the State. The said
Commission/Authority shall for the present
function under the chairmanship of the Chief
Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, who shall
be at liberty to associate such officers, domain
experts, technical institutions and other
stakeholders as may be considered necessary
for the effective discharge of its functions. The
constitution, organisational framework,
modalities, scope, powers, functions and
implementation mechanism of the said
Commission/Authority shall be placed before
this Court by the next date of hearing.
H. The Special Investigation Team shall intensify
the investigation process in all pending criminal
cases with due diligence and carry the same to
40

its logical conclusion. The investigation shall
comprehensively examine the role of all
persons, including public servants, industrial
units, office-bearers of CETPs and any other
persons against whom credible material
emerges during the course of investigation,
without fear or favour, and appropriate action
shall be taken strictly in accordance with law.
I. Insofar as the representations submitted by the
White Category Industries pursuant to
Direction A contained in this Court’s order
st
dated 21 July, 2026 are concerned, the
Committee shall, after considering the
inspection reports and the material placed
before it, pass appropriate orders on the
pending representations, as expeditiously as
possible and preferably within a period of seven
days from the date of this order.
J. The State of Rajasthan shall establish an
Integrated Public Reporting and Environmental
Grievance Redressal Mechanism to facilitate
timely reporting of environmental violations and
allied illegal activities affecting the riverine
ecosystem. The mechanism shall provide for a
41

QR Code-based digital platform, with QR Codes
prominently displayed on the website of RSPCB
as well as at the industrial areas, CETPs,
Government offices, Gram Panchayat offices,
Forest Check Posts, municipal offices and such
other conspicuous locations as may be
identified by the Integrated Coordination Group.
The platform shall enable any person having
credible information to report instances of
illegal discharge of industrial effluents,
unauthorised operation of industrial units,
illegal extraction of groundwater,
encroachments upon riverbeds, illegal dumping
of hazardous waste, destruction of wildlife
habitats and any other environmental violations
by uploading photographs, videos, geo-tagged
information or such other electronic material as
may be necessary. The mechanism shall provide
for confidential reporting, generate a unique
complaint registration number for every
complaint received, ensure immediate
electronic transmission of the complaint to the
jurisdictional authorities concerned, including
the RSPCB, District Administration, Police,
42

Forest Department and such other authorities
as may be necessary for prompt action, and
facilitate digital monitoring of the action taken
thereon. The State Government shall also
examine the feasibility of instituting an
appropriate incentive scheme for rewarding
credible information leading to the detection of
serious environmental violations, while
ensuring adequate confidentiality and
protection of the identity of informants.
K. The Committee shall continue to monitor the
implementation of the directions issued by this
Court and the progress made by the State
Government and the Integrated Coordination
Group, and shall be at liberty to issue such
recommendations and advisories as may be
necessary for effective implementation of the
mandate issued by this Court.
L. All Departments of the State Government,
statutory authorities, local bodies, public
authorities, the Rajasthan State Pollution
Control Board, RIICO, CETP Trusts and all
other agencies concerned shall continue to
extend full cooperation to the Committee, the
43

Integrated Coordination Group and the SIT, and
shall make available all records, technical data
and other information as may be required for
effective implementation of the directions
issued by this Court.
M. The Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan,
shall continue to personally monitor compliance
with the directions issued by this Court and
shall ensure that all Departments and statutory
authorities act in close coordination so that the
objectives sought to be achieved by the present
proceedings are implemented in a timely and
effective manner.
N. We are constrained to observe that the report
submitted by the State Government is totally
silent regarding the action taken, if any, against
the responsible officers of the RSPCB. The
details of the action taken/proposed to be taken
shall be placed before the Committee within the
next three days.
34. Before parting, we deem it appropriate to clarify
that the issues relating to industrial pollution, illegal
operation of industries and environmental
degradation in Jaipur and its adjoining areas, which
44

have also been noted by this Court during the course
of the present proceedings, shall be taken up for
consideration on the next date of hearing. At this
stage, our endeavour is to ensure that the
institutional framework and remedial measures
directed herein are effectively implemented in relation
to the Jojari-Bandi-Luni river ecosystem. Once the
aforesaid exercise is substantially completed and the
efficacy of the institutional mechanism and the
remedial measures directed by this Court is
assessed, this Court shall examine the feasibility of
adopting and extending a similar framework, with
such modifications as may be necessary, to other
river systems and regions of the State of Rajasthan
facing comparable issues of environmental
degradation, industrial pollution and ecological
imbalance.
35. The Registry shall forward a copy of this order
to Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sangeet Lodha, Judge (Retd.),
High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan on his email
address: [email protected] , as well as to Mr.
Shiv Mangal Sharma, learned Additional Advocate
General for the State of Rajasthan for information
and necessary compliance.
45

nd
36. List the matters on 22 September, 2026 as
part-heard for considering the Comprehensive
Resolution Plan to be submitted by the Integrated
Coordination Group in consultation with the
Committee.


….……………………J.
(VIKRAM NATH)


...…………………….J.
(SANDEEP MEHTA)
NEW DELHI;
AUGUST 07, 2026.

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