A severe environmental crisis unfolding in Barmer, Rajasthan, has triggered urgent calls for intervention from local and national authorities. The situation, marked by widespread industrial negligence and pollution, has reached a critical point, threatening water sources, agriculture, and the health of local communities.
NGT Expert Assesses the Ground Reality
Justice Afroz Ahmad, an expert member of the National Green Tribunal's principal bench in New Delhi, recently concluded a critical two-day visit to the region. His mission was to evaluate the escalating environmental damage firsthand and work with local officials to devise a strategic action plan. The visit underscores the gravity of the situation at the highest levels of environmental oversight in the country.
During the assessment, Barmer Member of Parliament Ummeda Ram Beniwal highlighted systemic failures. He pointed to the inadequate maintenance of mandatory green belts across industrial, mining, solar, and crude oil extraction sites. Beniwal emphasized that violations of guidelines set by the Union Environment Ministry and the NGT have become a recurring pattern, with little to no accountability for the offending parties.
Sources of the Crisis: From Oil Fields to the Luni River
The crisis stems from multiple, interconnected sources of pollution. A primary concern raised by MP Beniwal is the unscientific disposal of toxic waste from crude oil extraction. This hazardous waste has seeped into the ground, chemically contaminating water in agricultural wells. The result has been direct damage to crops, pushing the livelihoods of local farmers to the brink of collapse.
Compounding this is the severe pollution of the Luni river, a vital water body in the region. Justice Ahmad noted that chemical-laden wastewater from industrial factories located in Jodhpur, Pali, and Balotra areas is flowing unchecked into the river, creating an ecological disaster that extends far beyond Barmer's immediate borders.
Urgent Calls for Enforcement and Remediation
In response to the findings, Justice Afroz Ahmad issued clear directives. He stressed the immediate need for the district administration to implement a comprehensive District Environment Plan. This plan must address the core issues of solid and liquid waste management, sewerage, mining impacts, and the protection of rivers and lakes.
He was unequivocal on the rules for mining operations, stating that the requirement of planting trees on at least 33% of the mined area must be followed without any exceptions. This mandate is seen as a non-negotiable step towards ecological restoration. Both the NGT expert and the local MP are advocating for a thorough survey, a detailed investigation into the violations, and the strict enforcement of environmental laws to halt further damage and begin the process of cleaning up Barmer's degraded environment.
