Supreme Court reprimands Rajasthan government for polluting rivers endangering 20 lakh residents
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains·
Environmental governance and buffer zones: a GS3 case study on balancing industrial growth with river conservation.
Why in news
The Supreme Court reprimanded the Rajasthan government for failing to prevent industrial effluents from polluting the Jojari, Luni, and Bandi rivers, affecting 20 lakh residents.
Background
The Supreme Court, in a 2025 ruling by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, banned construction within 100 metres of river edges and hazardous industries within 500 metres. The Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation was cited for failing to enforce pollution norms.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceJojari, Luni, and Bandi are rivers in Rajasthan affected by industrial pollution.
- FactThe Supreme Court banned construction within 100 metres of river edges.
- FactHazardous industries are banned within 500 metres of river edges.
- BodyRajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation is the body cited for failing to enforce pollution norms.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Supreme Court's ruling on river pollution in Rajasthan, consider the following statements:
- Construction is prohibited within 100 metres of the river edges.
- The Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation was cited for failing to enforce pollution norms.
- Hazardous industries are banned within 100 metres of the river edges.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: Hazardous industries are banned within 500 metres of the river edges.
For Mains
Q. Examine the conflict between industrial expansion and environmental preservation in India. How can state bodies ensure stricter enforcement of pollution norms in river basins?
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory oversight: Ineffective monitoring by state industrial corporations leads to systemic effluent discharge.
- Zoning conflicts: Balancing economic industrial hubs with mandatory buffer zones for riverine ecosystems.
- Public health risk: Industrial pollution directly impacting the potable water and health of millions of residents.
Keywords: Environmental Governance · Pollution Norms · Industrial Effluents · Buffer Zones · Regulatory Enforcement
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.