RSPCB Report Blames Sewage Overload for Waterlogging in Khushkhera Industrial Area
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) has concluded that persistent waterlogging around the Khushkhera Industrial Area is primarily due to excess domestic sewage, inadequate treatment infrastructure, and clandestine discharge of industrial effluents. The findings were detailed in a report submitted by the Regional Officer, Bhiwadi, following a complaint from Prakash Yadav, a resident of Kharkhara village in Rewari district, Haryana.
Yadav had approached the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the National Green Tribunal (NGT), and other authorities, alleging that untreated, chemical-laden industrial wastewater from Khushkhera was flowing into adjoining areas of Haryana. In his complaint, Yadav stated that “large quantities of untreated, chemical-laden and toxic industrial wastewater discharged from Khushkhera industrial area in Rajasthan was entering the adjoining areas of Haryana.” He further claimed that “the unchecked discharge of toxic water has been damaging fertile agricultural land, contaminating groundwater and posing serious health hazards to the local residents,” and that it appeared to violate the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Field Verification and Sample Collection
The CPCB referred the matter to the RSPCB, which conducted field verification and collected water samples on May 12 and 13. The report noted that “the area around Shani Temple, Khushkhera, referred to in the complaint, has been facing the problem of waterlogging for a considerable period. The waterlogging issue in the area is primarily attributable to the natural topography of the region coupled with constraints in the existing sewage collection, treatment and disposal infrastructure.”
According to the report, inadequate household sewer connections and sewage generation exceeding the available treatment capacity have resulted in a portion of Bhiwadi’s excess domestic sewage being pumped into vacant plots in the Khushkhera Industrial Area. The remaining sewage accumulates at low-lying locations, including Alwar Bypass, Nagina Garden, the UIT Police Station area, and other vacant plots.
Clandestine Industrial Discharge Compounds Problem
The report also highlighted that “certain industries take advantage of waterlogging and clandestinely discharge wastewater into the area.” This unauthorized discharge exacerbates the environmental and health risks, including groundwater contamination and damage to agricultural land. The report underscores the need for improved sewage treatment capacity and stricter enforcement against illegal industrial discharges to address the waterlogging and pollution issues in the region.
