India, Nov. 22 -- Failure to prevent pollution in rivers is a gross dereliction of the state's constitutional promise to secure the right to life of citizens, the Supreme Court said on Friday, reprimanding the Rajasthan government for its abject failure in preventing pollution of three rivers in the state.

The court passed the order in a suo motu proceeding initiated in September when it noted the extensive contamination of the Jojari, Bandi, and Luni rivers in Rajasthan's three districts of Jodhpur, Pali, and Balotra, respectively.

The top court also formed an oversight committee headed by a former judge for their rejuvenation.

"Polluted rivers, contaminated groundwater, and the resulting impairment of health and livelihood dilute the...