Jaipur Residents Demand Relocation of Railway Laundry Over Pollution
Residents of Kartarpura in Jaipur have raised serious concerns about pollution emanating from a railway-run laundry facility operating within their residential area. They are demanding its removal or relocation to a more suitable location.
The facility is situated along the railway line, approximately 15 meters from a government upper primary school. This proximity has alarmed parents and local activists, who fear that students are being exposed to harmful pollutants and excessive noise on a daily basis.
A delegation of concerned residents recently submitted a representation to Member of Parliament Manju Sharma, seeking her intervention in the matter. The MP assured them that a meeting with railway authorities would be arranged to examine the issue and take appropriate action.
Health and Environmental Hazards
According to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, emissions from the facility are significantly affecting air quality and causing various health issues, particularly among elderly people, women, and children. The unit operates round the clock without proper land-use conversion for industrial purposes in a residential zone.
Earlier complaints were lodged with the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB). Following an inspection in January, the RSPCB issued a notice to railway authorities regarding alleged irregularities. Residents claim that the facility lacks essential clearances, including a no-objection certificate (NOC), and does not have an adequate effluent treatment system.
Wastewater from the laundry is reportedly being discharged into the Kartarpura drain, which eventually connects to the Dravyavati River. Continuous smoke emissions, chemical discharge, and noise from machinery have also been flagged by the residents as major concerns.
Community Action and Next Steps
The residents have been actively pursuing the matter with various authorities. The MP's assurance of a meeting with railway officials has given them hope that a resolution may be reached soon. They are urging the authorities to prioritize the health and safety of the community, especially schoolchildren, over industrial operations in a residential area.
