Bichhri village in Rajasthan has been plagued by water scarcity for over three
decades, stemming from industrial contamination. Residents must dedicate a
significant portion of their daily routine to sourcing and storing water, with
reliance on water tankers becoming the norm.
The village’s predicament began in 1987 when industrialist O.P. Agarwal
established five chemical factories near the village. These factories produced
fertilisers and chemicals, including toxic substances such as oleum and H-acid. The
manufacturing process of H-acid, a dye intermediate, generated highly hazardous
iron-based and gypsum-based sludge. The wastewater discharged from H-acid was
not only acidic but also contained dissolved solids and pollutants.
These factories released their acidic effluents into an open drain that traversed
Bichhri and ultimately emptied into the Udaisagar canal. Moreover, a considerable
portion of this effluent infiltrated the ground through unlined pits, severely
contaminating the groundwater and rendering it a dark hue.
Hindustan Agro, one of the factories, is responsible for releasing harmful
chemicals, and dumping of effluents directly into open fields and deep pits,
perpetuating groundwater pollution.
The residents of Bichhri have been waiting for justice and relief from this
environmental crisis for more than three decades. The contamination of their water
sources has had dire consequences, affecting agriculture and the quality of life of
the ill-fated villagers.
