Jaipur: Supreme Court Monday warned Rajasthan govt that it may order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged illegal mining and dubious regularisation of leases along the Jojari-Luni-Bandi river system, questioning the role of state officials in allowing environmental violations to continue.A division bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, while hearing suo motu proceedings concerning pollution in the river system, expressed concern over cases of leases being regularised even after alleged illegal mining was detected. The court cautioned that several officials could face serious consequences if the state failed to take corrective measures.“What have you done about providing statistics on illegal mining in the rivers? When illegal mining was pointed out, your officials went ahead and regularised those leases,” the bench told additional solicitor general S V Raju, who appeared for Rajasthan.It warned that a CBI investigation could be ordered if the state failed to mend its ways.The proceedings were initiated in 2025 following reports highlighting alarming pollution levels in Jojari river, which, along with Luni and Bandi rivers, is affected by industrial effluents and other pollutants.The river system is a lifeline for nearly 20 lakh people in the state.The SC bench also questioned the state’s claim that cases had been registered against illegal mining operators, asking how river flows could be protected when mining leases were continuously being granted in areas where violations had already been detected.“Your officials cannot escape responsibility for allegedly failing to prevent environmental damage,” the court said.The court asked state govt to submit a concrete financial proposal for establishing common effluent treatment plants equipped with zero-liquid-discharge technology.Emphasising the ‘polluter-pays’ principle, Justice Mehta said the state would have to bear the financial burden of such corrective measures because its agencies had failed to discharge their regulatory responsibilities. Industries responsible for polluting the river system would also be required to contribute to its restoration, the court said.Earlier, the court directed authorities to seal and dismantle illegal effluent discharge points along the river system, including unauthorised pipelines and bypass arrangements, and initiate proceedings against those responsible.The state has been asked to place its restoration proposal for the river system on record by the next hearing on Nov 27.The Case So FarSept 16, 2025: SC takes suo motu cognisance of Jojari river pollution and its threat to public healthNov 21, 2025: Panel formed under former HC judge Justice Sangeet Lodha to oversee complianceMay 2026: SIT probe ordered into underground industrial effluent pipeline network across Jodhpur, Balotra and PaliAug 24, 2026: Construction within 100 metres of the river system, and hazardous activities within 500 metres, restrictedSept 29, 2026: Action ordered against illegal effluent discharge and mining, and for recovery of environmental compensation
