Integrated Coordination Group Meeting Held on Jojari River Pollution
Review of compliance with Supreme Court directions; Chief Secretary directs departments to prepare action plans and ensure time-bound and long-term measures
Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas said that the State Government and administration are fully committed to addressing the issue of pollution in the Jojari River. He directed all concerned departments to adopt a serious and proactive approach and, in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court, promptly prepare department-wise action plans and ensure effective, time-bound implementation.
The Chief Secretary was addressing a meeting of the Integrated Coordination Group (ICG) constituted in connection with the Jojari River pollution case at the Government Secretariat on Tuesday. He said that the objective of the action plan should go beyond providing an immediate solution and focus on ensuring sustained improvement in the environmental condition of the Jojari River and its surrounding areas.
The meeting reviewed the progress made in compliance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court in the matter.
Measures to prevent discharge of untreated polluted water
The Chief Secretary directed that prompt and effective action be taken to identify and prevent the discharge of untreated polluted water into the river. He instructed officials to ensure proper monitoring of sewage treatment plants in the affected areas, including their operational efficiency and the quality of treated water.
He directed the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation and the Jodhpur Development Authority to improve the drainage system in the area, with special attention to its proper operation and maintenance.
The Agriculture Department was directed to send an expert team to the affected areas for a scientific assessment of soil quality and to evaluate the impact of pollution on crops. The department was also asked to undertake long-term corrective measures wherever required.
The Chief Secretary further directed that changes in cropping patterns caused by pollution and its impact on agricultural land be studied and an appropriate action plan prepared.
Focus on environmental and public health concerns
The Forest Department was directed to assess the condition of the substantial quantity of waste and vegetation present in the concerned forest areas and take necessary action.
In view of complaints regarding serious diseases, including breast cancer, in the affected areas, the Health Department was directed to undertake necessary screening and health monitoring.
The PHED and Groundwater Department were instructed to regularly monitor groundwater and drinking water quality and install additional piezometers in the affected areas.
The DoIT Department was directed to promptly develop and operationalise a dedicated portal for the registration, disposal, and monitoring of complaints related to the Jojari River area.
Action against those responsible
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the cases registered by the SIT in connection with the matter and directed the police to take appropriate action against those responsible.
Chairperson of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, Smt. Aparna Arora, presented details on the status of the Jojari River area, pollution-related data, and the action taken so far.
Officials also put forward suggestions to make the proposed action plan more practical, effective, and sustainable in the long term.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources, Shri Abhay Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and RIICO Chairman, Shri Shikhar Agrawal; Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment, Shri Anand Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Shri Bhaskar A. Sawant; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Shri Arijit Banerjee; and Director General of Police, Law and Order, Shri Sanjay Agrawal, along with senior officers from other concerned departments.
Jodhpur Collector Shri Alok Ranjan and Balotra Collector Shri Sushil Kumar joined the meeting through video conferencing.
