Now Reading: Rajasthan marble waste dump draws tourists as grey desert
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Rajasthan marble waste dump draws tourists as grey desert
Kishangarh in Rajasthan, a major marble-processing hub, has turned its 82-acre waste dump into an unlikely tourist attraction. The site receives over 5,500 tonnes of slurry and discarded stone daily from more than 1,200 processing units, creating a grey, lunar-like landscape that draws visitors.
The marble waste, generated as blocks are cut and polished, has piled up over decades, forming a vast, reflective white-grey desert. Local authorities have begun promoting the spot as a unique sight, with tourists posting photos on social media, boosting footfall to the area.
Indian Opinion Analysis
India produces millions of tonnes of stone slurry annually, most of which ends up in unsanctioned dumps. Kishangarh's site is unlined, meaning heavy metals and fine dust can leach into groundwater and air, posing long-term health and environmental risks. The state government has attempted to promote slurry reuse in bricks and paint, but adoption remains low. Tourists visiting the dump are likely unaware of these hazards. The next step to watch is whether the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board issues compliance notices to units that still lack effluent treatment plants, or whether the tourism angle delays enforcement.
Source: gulfnews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
