Supreme Court River Pollution: Supreme Court strict on pollution of rivers, asked the government why serious sections were not imposed

The Supreme Court has adopted a tough stance regarding the increasing pollution in rivers and water sources in Rajasthan (Supreme Court River Pollution). Asking several important questions to the state government, the court made it clear that if the allegations made in the news are true, then it is a case of serious administrative failure in following environmental protection laws. The court also wanted to know why strict legal provisions have not been imposed on polluting industries till now.

During the hearing, the court observed that people are suffering due to pollution of water sources. Healthalso expressed concern over the impact on agriculture, groundwater and wildlife. The court has directed the state government to conduct a detailed investigation of the entire matter and file a reply.

Concern expressed over reports related to pollution

A division bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta was hearing the case related to the conservation and revitalization of Jojri, Bandi and Luni river systems.

During the hearing, the court drew the attention of Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the Rajasthan government, to the recently published news. Reports had claimed that due to industrial pollution in Tanwada area near Jojri river, the water of a pond has turned pink and is no longer fit for use by humans and animals.

Questions on industries running without permission

In other reports, allegations were made of operating industries without environmental approval and releasing chemical waste into water sources without treatment in Sanganer, Dravyavati and Nevata areas (Supreme Court River Pollution). A report also said that contaminated water from Sanganer Sitapura Industrial Area reached Morel Dam, about 56 kilometers away, affecting agriculture, groundwater and several villages.

Supreme Court seeks detailed affidavit from government on River Pollution

The Supreme Court said that if these allegations are true then it is not just a problem in some areas but is indicative of a widespread administrative failure. The court directed the state government to file a detailed affidavit detailing the factual position of each allegation, the role of the officers concerned, the action taken so far and short-term and long-term measures to prevent such cases in future.

Instructions for imposing serious sections

The court said that releasing industrial waste without treatment affects water sources, government land, people’s livelihood and natural habitat (Supreme Court River Pollution). In such cases, provisions of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act along with Section 272, Section 326 A and Section 326 C of the Indian Judicial Code can also be applied. The division bench directed the state government to immediately initiate the process of including these serious sections in all pending and future cases.

Instructions also given on river conservation and waste management

The court also directed to file a separate affidavit on the issues raised in the second report of the High Level Ecology Monitoring Committee. The report states the need for demarcation of river banks and flood zones, industrial activities in river areas, impact of pollution on wildlife and strengthening of water resources management.

The Supreme Court directed to immediately transfer the identified land of Melba and Modathali villages to the Forest Department and develop forests and grasslands there (Supreme Court River Pollution). Also ordered to prepare an action plan for scientific treatment and safe disposal of untreated waste deposited in the common waste treatment plant at Sangriya.

Chief Secretary considered responsible

The court made it clear that without its permission the operation of the concerned industries will not be resumed (Supreme Court River Pollution). Also, in the next hearing, holding the Chief Secretary of the state personally responsible for following all the instructions. video conferencing Instructed to remain present through.