In Brief
Two million residents across Rajasthan faced severe threats from decades-long industrial and municipal pollution of the Jojari, Bandi and Luni rivers. After media exposure, the Supreme Court took suo motu action and consolidated pending appeals against a 2022 National Green Tribunal order. The Court held that environmental protection is a constitutional imperative inherent in the right to life (Article 21), not optional policy. Lifting the stay on the NGT's remedial directions, the Court established a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee chaired by a retired judge to oversee river restoration, map pollution sources, audit treatment infrastructure, ensure real-time monitoring, and hold violators accountable. The State must fund the Committee and submit progress reports every eight weeks. The judgment reaffirms that clean water and healthy environment are fundamental constitutional rights.
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