Joint committee report on pollution of Chandlai lake, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 21/11/2024
Report of joint committee constituted in OA No 133/2024 (CZ) in the matter of Devidas Khatri Vs State of Rajasthan & Others.
The NGT, May 27, 2024 directed a joint committee to look into the matter of pollution of Chandlai lake, Jaipur. Most of the catchment area of the lake is surrounded by residential area and textile industries established in Sanganer area. Throughout the year, this water body receives domestic and industrial waste water discharged from textile units.
The Chandlai lake in Jaipur district is not a notified wetland however it is a proposed Ramsar site by the state government and yet to be finalized. While the Chandlai lake, district Tonk has been declared as a notified wetland by the Rajasthan government.
During the visit, the committee observed encroachment in the catchment area of the Chandlai dam and directed the Water Resources Department to submit a detailed report with respect to identified encroachments and action taken report. Mainly two canals leading to Chandlai lake one originate from Gular dam and other one from Ramchandrapura dam. Both dams are located in Dravyavati river. Stormwater, STP treated and waste water of textile clusters flows into Dravyawati river and reach Chandlai lake. Five STPs of cumulative capacity of 170 MLD are operating in Dravyavati River project.
The industrial units are located in and around Sanagner area in clusters and maximum industries are engaged in textile processes. Wastewater is being discharged into Dravyavati river and canals. Four numbers of surface water/ground water samples were collected by the joint committee and as per the analysis results it was evident that water leading to Chandlai lake is polluted. As per the last survey around 1255 units are established in and around Sanganer area.
All these textile industries are being operated in non-confirming areas - without obtaining any permission from local bodies, revenue department as well as the pollution control Board.
State Board has issued final show cause notice dated September 9, 2024 to the 1163 operational textiles units of Sanganer for violation of various provisions under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Water (Prevention & control of Pollution) Act, 1974 for closure and appropriate action are being taken in accordance with the law. Further State Board has issued closure directions to 29 illegally operating textile units which were found discharging waste water directly into the drains leading to Chandlai and which cannot be connected with the CETP pipeline network.